


CUBA U 1851 



CONTAINING 



AUTHENTIC STATISTICS OF THE POPULATION, AGRICULTURE AND 
COMMERCE OF THE ISLAND FOR A SERIES OF YEARS, 



OrnCIAL AND OTHEE DOCUMENTS 



IN RELATION TO THE 



EEVOLUTIONAEY MOYEMENTS OF 1850 AND 1851. 



J 

BY ALEXAE"DEK JOITES. 



NEW YORK: 
STRINGEH & TOWNSEND, 222 BROADWAY^ 

COENER OF ANN STREET. 
IS51. 



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PREFACE. 



The following work has been undertaken with a knmHe 
desire to disseminate, in a popular form, more general and cor- 
rect information regarding the island of Cuba. 

Recent events have drawn the attention, not only of our own 
citizens, to Cuban affairs, but have also attracted the serious no- 
tice of the leading journals and people of Europe. 

The subject is not confined to the excitement of the moment 
growing out of the late transactions on the island. General 
T OTDez and his party may be swept from existence, and undis- 
\ d quiet apparently reign ; yet, the end will not be reached, 
any seilous considerations will force themselves upon the 
re ^ard of the political economist, the philanthropist, and states- 
i-ian, with respect to the future destiny of Cuba. 

Those who look to the public weal of states, must understand 
the past, and learn from its experience, lessons to guide and 
light them in the path of the future. 

The time will arrive, shape our course as we may, when the 
Cuban question will force itself upon our notice, and challenge 
the most grave consideration. It will, sooner or later, assume 
an importance of no ordinary interest. To be prepared for any 
turn it may take, and to steer a course that shall secure the 
safety, as well as the honor and interest of the coimtry, should 
be the anxious desire of every American. 

In the compilation of the statistical information of the island 
we have found some discrepancies as to the exactness of figures. 



VI PEEFACE. 

The census, witli commercial and other statistical details, do not 
seem to have been arranged with such scrupulous care as mat- 
ters of similar character are usually prepared in the United 
States, France, or England. Still, the results have generally 
]3roved more satisfactory than were reasonably to have been ex- 
pected, considering that not much value is usually placed upon 
such knowledge by the mass, who are expected to aid in supply- 
ing it. The author has also to put in a plea for the indulgence 
of the reader. His time for composition has been exceedingly 
limited, and in the hurry of preparing the work for the press, 
he has been compelled to overlook, or to omit, many subjects 
that would likely have interested the reader. It was the irregu- 
lar labor of a few days, confined to hours between the calls of 
other daily pursuits, or taken from the time usually allotted for 
sleep. 

In arranging the 'plan of the work it was not deemed neces- 
sary to go back to the colonial history of the island, which is so 
fully set forth in Dr. Robertson's work, and dwelt upon in the 
publications of subsequent authors, including the work of Rich- 
ard K. Kimball, Esq., entitled " Cuba and the Cubans." The 
object has been as far as possible to set out Modern Cuba to the 
latest moment of the present year before the public. 

In treating with matters touching the late revolutionary 
movements, including those of Puerto Principe and Santiago, 
with the late expedition of Lopez, much difficulty was experi- 
enced in reconciling conflicting accounts, so as to arrive at a 
tolerable and intelligible narrative of facts. 

And in some cases we have been compelled to give such state- 
ments as presented the best claims to probability, in the absence 
of more positive information. 

THE AUTHOR. 



CUBA. 



This island retains the name given to it hj the Indians or 
Aborigenes. It is about 800 miles long, by a variable breadth of 
from 25 to 130 miles. 

According to Humboldt, it contains an area of 43,380 square 
miles ; while Mr. Turnbull estimates it as 1o\y as 32,807. 

The extent of territory is put down by the statistics of 1850, 
at 731,7Y3 caballerias, each caballeria being about 33 acres. Of 
this, 65,67T caballerias are under cultivation ; 99,615 consist of 
natural pasturage, 3T,204 of artificial pasturage, 409,826 of 
woodlands. The balance, 189,255 caballerias, is barren or 
uncultivated land. 

A ridge or cordillera of mountains stretches centrally through 
the island, from east to west, having strips of comparatively 
level land, of unequal width between their base and sea-shore. 

The mountains are said to approach nearer the coast on the 
north, than on the south side. 

The land immediately on the sea-shore and bays is generally 
low and flat, rising but little above the level of the sea. 

The climate differs with the elevation of the country. On the 
northern mountain slopes of 300 to 400 feet above the level of 
the sea, during the prevalence of north winds in winter, frost 
and ice are sometimes seen, but no snow. 

The hottest months of the year are July and August, when 
the mean tem^perature is said to be about 82° to 84° Fahr. 
The coldest months are December and January, when the tem- 



8 CUBA EST 1851. 

perature ranges about 10° below tliat of the tropics at the same 
period. 

The beat at the warmest season is mucb relieved bj sea and 
land breezes. 

The island is mostly exempt from hurricanes, so common in 
other West India islands. 

The productions of the vegetable and animal kingdoms are 
too well known to require any detailed description. 

The soil is known to be one of the most fertile in the world. 
The range of mountains referred to are chiefly composed of cal- 
careous or limestone rock, which, after undergoing decomposi- 
tion, is washed into the valleys and plains, where, mixing with 
clays and silicious earths, it forms the most fertile soil. 

The greater part of the land on the island is said to be richer 
than the best j)ortions of St. Domingo, or Guiana. Tobacco is a 
native of the island, while the finest mahogany abounds in the 
forest. It is needless to add that the island abounds in the finest 
tropical fruits of all kinds. 

But the articles which are cultivated to the greatest extent, 
and form the chief staples, are sugar, tobacco and coffee ; though 
indigo, rice, cotton, and Indian corn, can all be grown, such is 
the variety of the soil and climate. 

The great fruitfulness and beauty of the island justly entitle 
it to be called " The Queen of the Antilles^ 

The position of the island is remarkable. It stretches away in 
a sort of crescent from east to west, throwing its western end into 
a curve, as if to form an impregnable barrier to the outlet of the 
Gulf of Mexico, as though it, at some ancient period, had formed 
a part of the American continent, and had been severed on its 
north side from the Florida peninsula, by the wearing of the 
Gulf stream, and from Yucatan, on its southwestern point, by a 
current setting into the gulf. 

Its political position, all concede to be vital to the United 
States, and especially so to the Yalley of the Mississippi. This 
is apparent, from the slightest inspection of the map. 



CtJBA IN 1851. 11 

In tlie possession of a maritime power at war with the United 
States, om- whole trade in the Gulf of Mexico, embracing that of 
'New Orleans, would be at its mercj, as well as the safety of our 
intercourse with California by the various peninsular transits to 
the Pacific. The extent of our trade, including imports and exports 
passing on one side or the other of Cuba, and our California 
trade, probably amounts to over $200,000^000 per annum. In 
the event of war with a strong maritime power, should the 
enemy occupy Havana on one side, and Yucatan on the other, 
he could do much towards destroying the trade of I^ew Orleans. 
The exports which now leave the mouth of the Mississippi 
would — estimated at $114,000,000 per annum — then be com- 
pelled to seek Atlantic ports, through the agency of railroads 
and canals connecting them with the western rivers. During the 
late war with Great Britain, cotton had to be wagoned from the 
Carolinas and Georgia, to Baltimore and Philadelphia. 

Momentous as these political considerations are, yet, under 
existing treaties, American citizens have no right to invade' 
Cuba with views of conquest. But when it becomes apparent 
that wide-spread disaffection prevails among the Creole or native 
white population towards the government by which they are 
Unmercifully . oppressed, and it is known that portions of the 
people of the island have risen in rebellion, the citizens of the 
United States, then, have a perfect right to emigrate to the 
island, and to aid the insurgents in establishing their indepen- 
dence, and if captured, they cannot, under the laws of nations, 
be treated as pirates. Hence the brutal and summary execution 
of the fifty Americans was an act in direct violation of the laws 
of nations and of humanity. 

A declaration made in advance of an intention to violate the 
laws of nations by a government, does not justify the com- 
mission of the act when tlie case arises ; hence, the previous 
threats of the Government cannot be plead as an excuse for a 
deed of such gross barbarity. For further remarks on this subject 
we refer the reader to other parts of this work. 



12 ciTBA m 1851. 

Before proceeding further it may be remarked that, beyond 
the copper mines at Cobre, near Santiago, worked by an English 
company; and others near Santa Clara, worked at one time by 
an American company, few minerals of value have been found 
on the island. In some localities coal is said to exist. 

The copper mines in 1841 yielded about four millions of dol- 
lars' worth of ore, which was sent to England to be smelted. But 
the exactions of the Government were such that they greatly re- 
duced the yield of the ore. An export duty of 5 per cent, was at 
first imposed upon the ore exported. Finally the exportation was 
prohibited unless shipped to old Spain, with a view of compell- 
ing it to be smelted in that country. These measures soon re- 
duced the value of the ore from four millions in 1841 to about two 
millions in 1845, and the American company, we believe, ceased 
operations. Since then the Government has relaxed, and im- 
posed the present duty of about $1,Y5 per ton ; but the former 
prosperity of the mines has not been restored. 

The mountains it is supposed, contain valuable minerals— but 
no geological survey of the island has been made. 

The great and inexhaustible wealth of Cuba lies in her rich 
soil, which, under the influence of an active, intelligent, and free 
population, would soon be converted into the garden spot of the 
world. 

As far back as 183Y the imports of Cuba were |23,921,251.02, 
and the exports $22,920,251. The total amount of revenue for 
the same year was $9,056,231.06. Of the imports, $1,373,962 
were from England, and 6,541,955 from the United States — the 
exports to each country being in about the same relative propor- 
tion. It is remarkable how the growth of Cuba has grown up in 
trade and population ^a^^ passu with the growth of the United 
States. 

In 1Y75, about the commencement of our revolution, we find 
the trade of the island insignificant and confined chiefly to 
the town of Santiago de Cuba on the south side. A writer 
states that, "It is only of late years that Cuba has assumed 



CUBA m 1861. 13 

an important position in the Spanish monarchy, yet, we ven- 
ture to say, there has seldom "been witnessed a more rapid 
advancement than this island has attained — far surpassing the 
other Spanish colonies with whom its prosperous state forms a 
painful contrast." 

The population at the respective periods has been as follows : 

1775, - .- - - 170,000 

1791, . _ - . 272,000 

1817, ... - 698,000 

1827, - - - - 730,000 

1841, - - ' - - 1,007,624 

1846, .... 898,752* 

1850, - - - - 1,247,230 

Increase from 1775 to 1850, seventy-five years, 1,0YY,230. 
The increase in the imports, exports, and revenues of the isl- 
and has been no less remarkable. 
Total imports, exports, and revenues of Cuba for 19 years from 

1828 to 1847: 

1828. 
Imports. Exports. Revenues. 

$19,534,922 $13,414,362 $9,086,406 

1847. 
32,389,117 27,998,770 12,808,713 



Increase in 19 years. 
$12,854,197 $14,584,408 $3,722,307 

The imports and exports for 1848 fell ofP some, owing to the 
year '47 having been deficient in provisions and breadstufis in 
Cuba, on account of a drought, &c. They were as follows for 
1848 : Imports, 25,435,565 ; exports, 26,077,068. 

The above statistics exhibit a most extraordinary growth, and 
the greatest increase has been on the north side of the island next 
the United States. 

In 1847 and 1848 the imports and exports of Cuba were di- 
vided between Spain, England, France, and the United States, as 
follows : 



1847. 




184 


:8. 


Imports. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


Exports. 


U.States.$ 10,892,335 


8,880,040 


6,933,538 


8,285,928 


Spain, 7,088,750 


6,780,058 


7,088,750 


3,927,007 


England, 6,389,936 


7,240,880 


4,974,545 


7,064,798 


France, 1,349,683 


1,940,535 


1,349,683 


1,184,201 




* Probably incorrect, 




•" 



14 CUBA m 1851. 

The entries and clearances of vessels of tlie foregoing respec- 
tive nations were as follows : 

1847. 1848. 

Entries. Clearances. Entries. Clearances. 

United States, 2,012 1,722 1.733 1,611 

Spain, 819 751 875 747 

England,. 563 489 670 348 

France, 99 81 85 63 

The exports of molasses from the following ports in 1849, 
were, with the exception of about 23,000 hogsheads, made to the 
United States : From Havana, 36,692 ; Matanzas, 68,597 ; Car- 
dinas, 65,Y5T. Total, 163,000 hhds. Of which about 141,046 
were taken by the United States. 

The foregoing statistics exhibit the great stake the United 
States has in Cuba. 

It will be seen that our trade with her, both in imports and 
exports, vastly outstri23S that of any other nation. While the 
number of vessels trading to the island in 1847, is more than 
double those of Spain, and exceeds those of England and France, 
both combined, more than four-fold ; yet, an armed interven- 
tion, hj those two jpoioers, against its, in the affairs of Cuba, has 
teen hinted at ! ! 

Cuba has been made, to a great extent, what she is by Amer- 
ican trade and enterprise. Had the island been placed on the 
coast of Spain, or near the coast of Europe, even with her pre- 
sent soil and climate, does, or can any one believe, that her 
growth, within the past nineteen or twenty years, would have 
been so great as it has been in its present position near the 
United States ? 

As a further proof of the great prosperity Cuba has derived from 
American trade, we have only to compare the growth, in po- 
pulation and commerce, of the towns On the north side of the 
island with those on the south side. "We have only to state that 
the population, imports and exports of the towns of Havana, 
Matanzas and Cardinas, alone, on the north side, excel those of 
all the towns on the south side. The south-side towns, of which 
Cuba de Santiago is the chief, do not, in any respect, equal more 



CUBA EST 1851. 15 

than about 25 per cent, of tlie trade of the island. Before 
American Independence, the principal trade of the island was 
conducted from the south side, through Santiago, which was 
most convenient to Jamaica and St. Domingo. A large number 
of Americans own estates in Cuba. 

EAILEOADS. 

The first railroad was that opened from Havana to Guimez, forty- 
five miles, in 1839, and constructed under the direction of Mr. 
Cruger, an American engineer. 

In 1848, the number of miles of railroad, it was supposed, in 
the aggregate, reached 285 miles, and 85 more were projected. 

They connect Havana, by a main line and branches, to 
Guinez, and Batabano on the south side ; Cardinas and Matanzas 
on the north side. From Cardinas to Jucaro, from Matanzas to 
Sabanilla and Colisco. From ISTeuvitas, a road extends to 
Puerto Principe; another from Cuba Santiagoio^ the Copper 
Mines. Others are contemplated from Reniedios to Cair- 
barien, and from Cienfuegos to Yilla Clara, and also between 
other points on the island. The total amount invested in these 
roads is estimated to be between five and six millions of doUars. 

It is believed that some of the Americans residing on the 
island, who &a]oj privileges under the government, are opposed 
to its ever becoming annexed to the United States, fearing the 
competition of American enterprise. 

TAXES. 

The taxes of Cuba are enormous. In 1836, the government 
revenu.es amounted to $9,227,266.02, and in 1847, they had 
increased to $12,808,713. The government constantly augments 
the taxes in the most arbitrary manner. It is said, fearing the 
resistance of the people, they always augment the troops with 
every increase of taxation. A writer, speaking of Cuba in 
1847, states that "the people are taxed beyond any other known 
community,' — its half million of whites paying more than twelve 
millions annually, a trifling portion of which is expended on 
the island in other than means to keep them in subjection." 



16 CUBA IN 1861. 

The tariff is exceedingly heayj, and operates very seriously 
upon produce from tlie United States. The tariff was increased, 
the present year (1851), both on exports and imports, and the 
number of troops increased about the same time, the pretext 
being the fear of a foreign invasion. The export duty (always a 
direct tax on the producer) on box sugars was raised from 50 
cents pel box to 87|-. On leaf tobacco it was raised to 25 cents 
per quintal. On the thousand cigars, 25 cents per thousand. 
And an additional amount of one-seventh of one jper cent, on all 
imports in national vessels, and one per cent, on those in foreign 
vessels. This, added to one-half per cent, added in November 
1850, makes it \\ per cent. The aggregate duties by the late 
increase on all imports arriving in foreign vessels, now amount 
to 35| per cent. On foreign flour there is a fixed duty of $10, 
to which, if we add the l^ per cent., with other charges, the 
duty will amount to about $10.50, swelling the cost to the 
consumer in Cuba to about $16 per barrel. On flour from 
Spain, in Spanish vessels, the duty was formerly $2.50 per barrel, 
increased since, it is said, to about $6 per barrel. This enormous 
tax on flour prevents its use in the island, except by the wealthy 
classes. 

The poor and oppressed Creole whites are compelled to 
use the dry and insipid Casava root as a miserable substitute 
for bread. This exclusion of American flour from Cuba ope- 
rates as a great drawback to American trade. If our flour 
was admitted at a moderate duty, it would augment our com- 
merce with the island. 

The importations of flour into Cuba in 184T and 1848 were as 
follows : — 

f Imports of Flour. 1847. 1848. 

From Spain, 175,870 212,944 bbls. 

From America, 69,373 18,176 " 



Total, 235,243 231,119 « 

It will be seen by this statement that the consumption of flour 
-was less in 1848 than in 184Y, and that the imports from the 
United States fell off to 18,1Y5 in 1848. For the same ^^ear our 



CUBA m 1851. 17 

imports from Cuba exceeded our exports by $1,352,390. Flour 
forms one among the largest articles of export with. us. ' The 
estimation of its consumption among our people is put down at 
about one and a Tialf barrels per head, per annum. Some esti- 
mate the consumption as high as eight bushels of wheat per 
head. But let us for the sake of calculation suppose the free popu- 
lation of Cuba are capable of consuming only one barrel per head, 
per annum. ]^ow the free population of Cuba, including stran- 
gers, soldiers, &c., amounts to about 600,000. This would give 
rise to a demand, under a moderate duty, for 600,000 barrels of 
iiour ; valued at $4.50 per barrel in the United States, would 
make the sum of $2,Y00,000 per annum. If we allow half a 
barrel to each of the slaves — 436,000 — it would require 218,000 
barrels, making a total for the island of 818,000, equal in value, 
at $4.50 per barrel, to $3,681,000. Can it be wondered at that 
the balance of trade is against us, when so large an article of our 
produce is excluded from the island ? Under a fair tariff how 
could Castile, 4,000 miles off, compete with us within three or 
four days sail, and with such a vast supply of cheap flour ? Hogs 
are subjected to a duty of six dollars each, and all other articles 
including bacon, lard, pork, &c., to about thirty-five and a half 
per cent,, ad valorem. "While these almost prohibitory duties 
are imposed upon our exports sent to Cuba, we only impose an 
ad valorem duty of about thirty per cent, on sugar, molasses, an(i 
tobacco, and admit their coffee duty free. 

ISTo foreign vessel under eighty tons can import goods into 
Cuba on deposit. The tonnage duties are $1 50 j)er ton, for 
foreign vessels, or 75 cents for vessels carrying more than 1,000 
hogsheads sugar, which were formerly much higher. 

The $12,000,000 revenue taxes are not the only plunder the 
people have to endure. The church comes in besides for its 
share. 

One-tenth of all the Oanado (produce) of the farms, is paid toi 
the church. Everything is taxed in Cuba, except the air the 
people breathe, and the light of the sun. The Government is 



18 CUBA m 1851. 

paid six per cent, on the gross amount of the sales of "lands, 
mines, houses, negroes, &c., amounting to about four millions of 
dollars. There are taxes on domestic manufactures, on butchers' 
meat, lotteries, hucksters, and on the sale of papal bulls, stamp 
paper, cock and bull fights. 

Foreigners landing in the island have to pay $2 for a pass- 
port, and give security for good conduct, called " Fiador^'^ His 
baggage is searched, and a Bible, if found with other contraband 
books, under the ban of the Church or Government, is taken 
from him. Khe wishes to go into the interior he must ]3ay two 
shillings more for a passport. When he leaves the island, he 
has to pay $7.50 for the privilege. A free country indeed ! 
What glorious liberty, which a certain class of Americans per- 
haps desire, to see jperjpetuated forever ! ! 

The native white or Creole population on the island is more 
than ten to one of the Spaniards, hence they feel and realize the 
monstrous oppressions of the government in all their force. 

If the taxes gathered from the poor creatures were spent on 
the island in advancing their industrial and intellectual progress, 
it would be quite another affair, and render the monarchal au- 
thority more tolerable. 

Estimating the taxes alone at twelve millions, and the poj)ula- 
^tion of the island at one million, it would make it equal to $12 
per. head; but when levied on about five hundred and sixty 
thousand white inhabitants, it would be equal to the enormous 
sum of near $24 per head — some authors have made the esti- 
mate as high as $38 per head. The taxes in the United States 
for the support of the national government, direct and indirect, 
average only about $2 per head. And that, included with taxes 
for state, local, and municipal purposes, in no part of the country 
probably exceeds $5 per head. The Spaniards on the island are 
only about 35,000 strong, while that of the Creole amounts to 
520,000. The Spaniards as a class are rich, intelligent, aristo- 
cratic, and supercilious. They look down upon the Creoles as an 
inferior race whom they wish to see kept in a state of ignorance, 



CUBA IN 1851. 19 

dependence, and servitude. The fact is, Spain has struggled 
later and harder than any other power to keep up the feudal 
customs and laws of past ages ; she has done her best to preserve 
those despotic fetters which bind the minds and spirits of her 
subjects in unchanging ignorance and superstition. To make 
the subject the abject slave of two precious masters, kingcraft 
and priestcraft. 

When the Spanish colonies of South America and Mexico 
gained their independence, such as unabated priestcraft permits 
it to be, and Florida with Louisiana fell into the possession of the 
United States, large numbers of loyal and wealthy Spanish Dons 
and noblemen abandoned them, and removed with all their 
eifects, some to Spain, but a large number to Cuba, who carried 
with them also the feudal prejudices of their government. The 
35,000 Spaniards of Cuba comprise a large number of families 
of this class, who are as loyal to the crown of Spain, and as 
scornful towards republicanism, as the American loyalists of 
ISTova Scotia were at the close of our revolution. The inveterate 
innate pride of a Castilian Don peculiarly fits him for a disciple 
of feudalism. Hence they combine with the Spanish crown to 
keep the Creoles in ignorance and degradation. Education in 
the island is at a very low ebb. In the whole population of 
about one million of souls in 1850, 605,560 of whom are white 
people, 205,5T0 free colored, there were only 222 schools, attend- 
ed by 8,442 white children, and 540 free colored children ! And 
such schools ; a mere mockery of education ; a flummery of 
church dogmas and catechisrns, with perhaps a little music and 
drawing to divert their minds from more serious and useful 
studies, such as would shed light on the truths of science, or 
upon their inalienable and sacred political, and social rights. 
The .wealthy Spaniards send their sons to European colleges to 
become educated. 

Is it wonderful then that the more intelligent of the enslaved 
Creoles, who live in such close proximity to ourselves, who from 
the great trade and intercourse we have with the island, hear of 



20 CUBA IN 1851. 

our liberty and progress, and witness tlie glorious results of our 
independence, and wide-spread intelligence, and freedom, should 
sigh to imitate our example, and to strike for their own inde- 
pendence, casting off forever the threadbare and tottering mon- 
archy of Spain, which retains little of its former existence ex- 
cept its feudal oppression. And when they, though ignorant, 
feeble, and undisciplined as the Creoles are, strike for liberty, is 
it piracy for citizens of the United States to aid them ? And 
can they be butchered like dogs by Spanish authority without 
calling down the execrations of a civilized world ? 

Christian civilization demands the revolution of Cuba as a 
means of abolishing the slavetrade. 

Mr. TurnbuU, an English a%vthor^ states, that the people of the 
island are opposed to the continuance of the African slavetrade, 
as our colonial governments were, including Yirginia, whose 
House of Assembly passed an act against the continuance of it 
which the king refused to sanction. This formed one of our 
grievances set forth in the Declaration of Independence, say- 
ing the king refused to sanction laws of " the most wholesome 
character." 

Mr. Turnbull affirms, that " The -trade is protected 'by the 
Spanish government for the purpose of retaining more securely 
in Her Catholic Majesty'^s obedienceP 

Another writer on Cuba states that the slave dealer pays the 
Governor General half an ounce of gold on each slave imported 
as a sort of " douceur," and that the amount has been doubled. 
He affirms that the Count d'Alcoy, the predecessor to Concha^ 
received about $200,000 from this source in a single year ! 

The cultivators of the soil believe that if the slavetrade were 
abolished their present slaves would be greatly enhanced in 
value. An able bodied negro man in Louisiana, worth jfrom 
$800 to $1000, would bring only $300 to $400 in Cuba. The 
enhancement in their value would secure more humane and 
careful treatment. 

But now, such are the facilities for obtaining slaves from 



CUBA m 1851. 21 

Africa that they are badly treated, and severely driven, hence 
their numbers soon become thinned, and require replenishing. 

Mr. TurnbuU, in 1838-39, estimated the average annual impor- 
tation of African slaves into Cuba, at 23,000. Yet, from the cen- 
sus stated, the slave population has been nearly stationary, showing 
that the destruction of life is nearly equal to the births and the 
foreign importation combined. This is seen from the following 
table : 



Whites. 
418,291 

665,560 


POPULATIOlSr IK 1841. 

Free Colored. 
152,838 

IN 1850. 

204,570 


Slaves. 
436,495 

436,100 



/ 

Increase, 146,279 61,732 

Decrease, 395 

In 1846 another table estimates the slaves as low as 323,'7'r9, 
which is probably an error. 

We thus see, notwithstanding the annual importation of Afri- 
can slaves, that during the last nine years they have actually de- 
creased 395, showing a fearful loss of human life attributed to 
the infernal traffic in African slaves. Surely if an end could be 
put to the slavetrade in Cuba by its independence, or annexation, 
the change should enlist the warmest support and sympathy of 
every sincere philanthropist in the United States, where no Afri- 
can slavetrade exists, and where the slaves being so much more 
valuable, and kindly treated, their increase has been quite rapid ; 
keeping up about the same ratio as that of the whites in the 
Southern States, or rather exceeding it. 

The increase in the slave population of the United States is 
shown by the following statement : 

1830. 1840. 1850. 

Slaves, 2,009,045 2,487,213 3,122,873* 



Increase, 478,170 635,661 

Nearly 25 per cent, for each decade. 

* Official and estimated by the press. 



22 CUBA m 1851. 

The mortalitj among the blacks of Cuba is said to be large, 
and the natural increase small ; owing to the sexes being une- 
qual in number. The males greatlj exceed the females, as it is 
likely more of them are introduced from Africa than females. 
By the census of 1846 there were set down 201,011 males to 
122,748 females, in the proportion of nearly two to one. Had 
the slaves increased in Cuba as rapidly as in the United States 
for the last nine or ten years, the population would have aug- 
mented 100,000, instead of falling below the returns of 1841. 

Abolish the slavetrade in Cuba, as the Creoles wish, and the 
same results will follow. The very first grand result obtained by 
Cuban independence or annexation would be the total destruc- 
tion of the slavetrade, the prevention of the annual subjuga- 
tion of 23,000 miserable Africans, and their rescue from bondage 
and death ; while the condition of the present 436,000 slaves, 
by an increase of value, would be greatly ameliorated and elevat- 
ed. This would not be all ; the spirit and love of knowledge 
would spring up in the island ; schools and colleges multiply ; a 
free press pour forth its echoes, and the mission of a higher, 
and nobler, G-od-like religion shed its undying and humanizing 
light abroad over every mountain top and fertilizing plain. Who 
shall say that God has not a great work to fulfill in the destiny of 
Cuba ? And who shall say that the blood of fifty Americans drank 
by her soil, is not the first, yet mysterious link in the hand of Provi- 
dence for carrying forward and accomplishing His own great and 
inscrutable purposes ? 

A strong objection has been made to the annexation of Cuba 
on the ground that it would greatly injure, if it did not destroy, 
the planting interest of the South, and particularly of Louisiana, 
in the cultivation of the sugar cane. "No reasoning can be more 
fallacious. 

At the present time the most formidable competition in Cuba 
which our southern planters have to contend against is not so 
much owing to her climate and soil as to cheap slave labor, and the 
cheap food on which they are fed, or rather starved: The differ- 



CUBA IN 1851. 23 

ence of raising sugar with grown slaves at a cost of $300 to 
$400 per head in Cuba, and at a cost of $800 to $1000 per head 
in Louisiana, makes a wide difference, equal to more than 50 per 
cent., and which enables Cuba to supply our markets in opposi- 
tion to our own planters. The cost of feeding and clothing our 
slaves, under kinder treatment, cost our planters probably 25 
per cent, more than those of Cuba. What tariff short of prohi- 
bition can equalize these differences, which would oppress our 
own people. But let Cuba become independent, or annexed to 
the United States, and an end put to the African slavetrade, as 
would naturally follow, the negroes of Cuba would then rapidly 
advance in value to equal those of Louisiana ; and by introduc- 
ing our flom', meal, and provisions to feed them the expense of 
supporting them would also be more nearly equal, and hence the 
present unequal contest would cease. 

"We find the following among the official police regulations in 
force at Havana : 

" All colored persons^ slaves or free^ that arrive from foreign 
countries, shall be. sent immediately to a depot (prison) prepared 
by the government for that purpose, where they shall remain 
until the moment of leaving rthe island, or they can remain on 
board the vessel, provided the consignee will give a bond of 
$1000, to be forfeited in case they leave her, which bond shall 
not be cancelled until the return of the boarding officer, on the 
departure of the vessel." 

This is a regulation, which we should think as deserving the 
attention of the English government, as that of the municipal 
authorities of Charleston ; but so far, we have heard of no strong 
remonstrances being made to the government of Spain, regard- 
ing its exercise. 

The fear, or the idea expressed by rumor, that Cuba cannot 
become independent, or annexed, without experiencing the horri- 
ble scenes of St. Domingo, is grossly absurd. And the threat 
thrown out by the Governor, that rather than Spain shall lose 
the government of Cuba, he would liberate the negroes, and 



24: CUEA IN 1851. 

arm them, is as inhuman and barbarous in its conception, as it 
is futile and impracticable in execution. Cuba will neither be 
" Castile" long, and never " St. Domingo.'''' 

The circumstances of the two islands, and the advancement of 
power on the part of the white race, here and elsewhere, in 
steam-vessels and munitions of war, places the power of the 
blacks at a greater distance below them. A few armed Ameri- 
cans, with repeating arms, and flying artillery, would scatter 
tens, if not hundreds of blacks, to one of the whites. The revo- 
lution of St. Domingo occurred in 1793. In 1790, three years 
before, the population stood as follows : whites 38,831 ; blacks 
431,429 ; free people of color 24,000 ; domestic slaves, negro 
mechanics, &c., 50,000.7 The comparative population of St. Do- 
mingo, on the eve of th6 revolution, and of Cuba at the present 
time, stands as follows : 





Whites. 


Free Col. 


Slaves. 


Cuba in 1850, 


605,560 


205,570 


436,000 


St. Domingo in 1790, - 


38,813 




431,429 


Free Col. 24,000 








Other pop. 50,000 




• 74,000 





Difference, 666,729 131,570 4,571 

For the Governor-General of Cuba to arm the blacks before 
the island became independent, would be to lose it. To do so 
afterwards, would be out of his power. 

The relative wealth of the two islands at the periods named, 
stands as follows : 

Sugar E. Coffee E. Tobac. Plant. Grazing F. Cattle. * 

Cuba, 1850, 1,442 1,618 9,162 9,930 898,199 

St. Domingo, '93, *793 3,117 

Indigo. Cotton. Various. 

St. Domingo, 3,160 789 677 

This affords a most extraordinary contrast. We find that Cuba 
only contains 4,571 more slaves than St. Domingo did, while she 
possesses 566,729 more whites, and 131,570 more free people of 
color ! Can the Governor-General, or the wildest fanatic, 

* The owners, it is said, of extensive estates in St. Domingo were not resi- 
dents, and lived in France. 



CUBA IN 1851. 25 

imagine that 436,000 slaves can put down, or conquer 600,000 
whites, with the aid of Americans to back them ? 

Had St. Domingo escaped under the circumstances which 
surromided her, the fact would have been more miraculous than 
her fall. With a small weak French population of 38,000, and 
they divided by the feuds which distracted the mother country, 
how were they to stand up against 431,000 blacks, declared free 
by a predominant fanatical abolition faction in the National Con- 
vention of France, with an Abbe Gregoire at its head ? England 
seized upon the island, and when she finally withdrew her 
troops, the handful of French people were left defenceless, to be 
butchered indiscriminately by an excited mob of blacks, through 
the mere force of brutal numbers. 

'Not so with Cuba. Spain cannot give freedom to the blacks, 
without simultaneously giving liberty to the whites, when the 
latter, aided by Americans, would not only take care of them- 
selves, but of the blacks and Spaniards also. 

CUEEENCT. 

The currency of Cuba consists of gold and silver. The total 
amount of coin in 1842 amounted to about $12,000,000. 

The most of the gold coin circulates in doubloons, of $1T 
government value. Formerly, the government compelled four 
pistareens to circulate for a dollar. These were called in finally, 
and now they pass at five to the dollar. 
The imports of specie were in 

1841, $781,639 1842, $1,158,770 

Exports " 1,092,671 " 1,290,661 

Excess exports, " 311,032 « 131,890 

In 1839, the excess of imports amounted to 481,3'r5, and in 
1840, to 209,126. 

We have intimated before that the revenues gathered from the 
people of Cuba amounted at this time to above twelve millions of 
dollars per annum, which forms no doubt the chief support to the 
monarchy of Spain, gathered from her oppressed Cuban subjects. 
The Creoles endure all the evils, in their worst form, of which we 



26 CUBA IN 1851. 

complained wlien colonies, and for tlie redress of whicli we 
waged a seven years war. Among the chief of these evils is 
taxation witJiout representation. The Creoles of Cuba are not 
voters. They have not the slightest controlling voice in the 
Government mider which they live. The authority of the 
Governor-G-eneral is vice-regal and despotic. He unites in him- 
self all the functions of government, civil, judicial and military, 
and is only amenable to the crown. He feels no responsibility 
on account of the people. He is not one of them ; but comes 
from a foreign country, to plunder and oppress them in behalf of 
the crown. And yet it is contended that the Creoles are content- 
ed and happy under such a despotism ! If so, it is the happmess 
and contentment of the serfs of Eussia, and of all other countries 
secm-ed by debasement, ignorance, and superstition, the cherished 
props of despotism all over the world. But all the Creoles are 
not so debased ; some have caught the fire of our own free insti- 
tutions and struck for liberty, and neither God nor man wiU con- 
demn those who aid them as outlawed pirates. 

We proceed in the next i^lace to give the divisions or depart- 
ments of the island, with statistics of the population, sugar and 
coffee ..estates, number of towns, tobacco plantations, grazing 
farms, cattle, &c., from the census of 1850. 

Cuba is divided into three departments : — 

1st. The Western, of which Havana is the principal town. 

2d. The Central, of which Puerto Principe is the chief town, 
with a Governor of the East, of subordinate jurisdiction to that 
of the Governor-General, but amenable to the court only. 

3d. The Eastern Department, of which Santiago de Cuba is 
the principal town. 

The Western Department is the most wealthy and populous 
part of the island, as will be seen by the following tables from 
the census of 1850. 

WESTERN DEPAKTMENT. 
Whites. Free Colored. Slaves. ' Total. 

325,500 88,300 320,500 734,030 





CUBA 


IN 1851. 




27 


Sugar 
Towns. Estates. 
157 735 


Coffee • 
Estates. 
1,012 

CENTRAL ■ 


Tobacco 

Plantations. 

3,990 

DEPARTMENT. 


Grazing 
Farms. 
1,741 


Cattle. 
267,033 


Whites. 
153,000 


Free Colored. 
42,500 


Slaves. 
50,500 


Total. 
246,000 


Sugar 
Towns. Estates. 
46 404 


Coffee 

Estates. 
76 

EASTERN ] 


Tobacco 

Plantations. 

967 

DEPARTMENT. 


Grazing 
Farms. 

4,881 


Cattle. 
458,166 


Whites, 
87,060 


Free Colored. 
74,770 


Slaves. 
65,100 


Total. 
226,930. 


Sugar 
Towns. Estates. 
20 303 


Coffee 

Estates. 

580 


Tobacco 
Plantations. 
4,145 , 


Grazing 
Farms. 
3,308 


Cattle. 
173,000 




AGGEEQATE STATEMENT. 






Western Department 
Central " 
Eastern " 


Whites. 
325,500 
153,000 

87,060 


Free Colored. 
88,300 
42,500 
74,770 


Slaves. 

320,500 
50,500 
65,100 


Total. 
734,300 
246,000 
326,930 


Total 


665,560 


204,570 


486,100 


1,207,230 


Estimate for troops, strangers, &c., 






40,000 


Western Department 
Central « 
Eastern " 


Sugar Coffee Tobacco. Grazing 

Towns. Estates. Estates. Plantations. Farms. 

157 735 1,012 3,990 1,741 

46 414 76 967 4,881 

20 303 530 4,145 3,308 


Cattle. 
267,933 
458,166 
173,000 



Total 223 1,442 1,618 9,102 9,930 898,199 

The cultivation of sugar has steadily increased, while the 

coffee estates have diminished from about 2,000 in 1849, to 1,618 

Recapitulation and classification of the Island of Cuba ili 18S0 : 



Creole of Native Whites, 

Spaniards, 

Troops and Marines, 

Foreigners, 

Floating Population, 

Free Mulattoes, 118,200 

Free Blacks, 87,370 

Slave Mulattoes, 11,100 
do. Blacks, 426,000 



620,000 
36,000 
23,000 
10,560 
17,000 605,560 Whites. 



205,570 205,570 Free Colored. 



436,100 436,100 Slaves. 



Total, 



1,247,230 



28 



CUBA IN 1851. 



Number of Men estimated as capable of bearing Arms : 

Creole Whites, 140,000 

do. Free Colored, 40,000 180,000 

Spaniards, 20,000 

Spanish Troops 23,000 43,000 

Slaves, 170,000 



Total, 



393,000 



CHIEF TOWNS OK THE ISLAND OP CUBA. 



NOETH SIDE. Pop. 


DefartWLt. 


SOUTH SIDE. 


Pop. 


DepartmH 


Havana, 200,000 


Western. 


Santiago 






Matanzas, 25,000 


do. 


de Cuba, 


35,000 


Eastern. 


Cardinas, 6,000 


do. 


MazanUlo, 


4,000 


do. 


Saguda Le Grande, 2,500 


Central. 


Trinidad, 


15,000 


Central. 


S. Juan de los 




San Spiritero, 






Remedies, 6,000 


do. 


interior. 


12,000 


do. 


Villa Clara, 




Cienfuegos, 


5,200 


do. 


interior, 9,000 


do. 


Batabuno, 


1,000 


Western. 


P. Principe, in the 




San Juan, 


1,000 


do. 


interior, with the 










Port Neuvitus, 36,000 


do. 








Holguin, interior, 6,000 


Eastern. 








Baracoa, 4,000 


do. 









The above towns, where not stated to be in the interior, are sea- 
ports. The names of a number of small places on the sea-coast 
are omitted. 

Besides the general features of the main land there are a 
number of smaller islands scattered along the coast, both on its 
northern, western, and southern shores. The most important 
of these is the Isle of Pines on the south side, which is said to 
contain a population of 800 people, probably mostly occupied as 
fishermen. 

By examining the map, it will be seen that the coast west of 
Havana is studded with a number of smaU islands, and indented 
with a number of bays. On the first bay is the small town of 
Mariel and fort ; on the second is Cabanos, named after the bays 
on which they stand. The third bay is that of BaJiia Honda^ 
{deep hay) MhQUQ Gen. Lopez and the Americans are said to 
have landed on the 12th of August, 1851. Still west of Bahia 
Honda is seen a series^ of small islands, one of which is called by 
the Spaniards Cayo (Key) Levisa^ on the shore and in the vicin- 
ity of which Col. Crittenden and his party, in four launches, were 



CUBA IN 1851. 29 

captured by the Spanish force in the steamer Habanero. The 
water on the outer side of the keys, or islands, is deep, being 
from 24 to 25 feet ; but between the keys and the shore the wa- 
ter shallows off to 10 and 12 feet. The Habanero being of light 
draught was enabled to run in, while the frigate Esperanza (Hope) 
could not. This frigate was formerly the Caledonia, of the Cu- 
nard line, and which was too slow to come up with the Falcon, 
and the Pizarro, in attempting to go too near in shore, near Ba- 
hia Honda, is said to have grounded and was wrecked. 

We have embodied under another head all the particulars re- 
garding this bold expedition of Lopez and the capture and brutal 
execution of the fifty Americans, as far as can be ascertained, to- 
gether with the lives and characters of the principal victims, as/W* 
as known. 

Before concluding our notice of the island, it may be of inter- 
est to some readers to notice some of the principal towns. 

HAVANA. 

By far the most important and remarkable town on the island 
is Havana, spelt Hahoma by the Spaniards, and sometimes 
Havo/nnah by the English. The city was founded in 1511 by 
Diego Yelasquez. It was taken by a French pirate in 1563. 
Afterwards by the English and French buccaneers ; and again 
by the English in 1Y62, by whom it was restored to Spain, by 
the treaty of peace of 1763. 

In 1Y95, the remains of Ohkistopher Columbus were brought 
from St. Domingo and buried in the cathedral of this city, where 
they yet rest. 

The population of Havana, as far back as 1827, was estimated 
at about 94,000. By the census of 1850, its population is set 
down at about 200,000, including Spanish troops, residents and na- 
tives of all kinds. As far back as 1836, it exported to the United 
States 669,460 boxes of sugar, of 400 lbs. each, and 697,491 
arobas of coffee ; four arobas (or quintals) are equal to 101| lbs. 
Since the year 1836, the exj^ort of sugar has more rapidly in- 
creased than that of coffee. 



y 



30 CUBA IN 1851. 

A railroad was opened from Havana to Guinez (to the east), 
forty-five miles long, in 1839. Another railroad extends west 
to Guanajay. It was over this road troops were sent against 
Lopez. Another railway, as before noticed, connects Havana 
with Cardinas, to the east, and from which other short branches 
have been built. The rails of this road, near Cardinas, were 
torn np by Lopez's men at his former descent in 1850, to prevent 
commnnication with the capital. 

The position of Havana is such, defended as it is by power- 
ful fortifications on both sides of the entrance from sea, and on 
the land side, as to make it justly considered the Gebealtak of 
the western world. 

On the northern side of the entrance, from sea, frowns Moro 
Castle^ and on the southern or western side are seen the strong works 
of the Castle of La Punta. Behind the Moro, inland, are again 
seen the works of La Cabano, and Fort ~So. 4. Behind La 
Punta, on the other side, are seen extensive barracks. On the 
land side of the town, beyond its walls, is seen rising towards 
the south, Prince's Castle / and again to the south-east of the 
land side of the town, and on the small bay of Atares^ is seen to 
rise the Castle of Atares (not far from the suburbs of El Horcon), 
at the base of which the fifty Americans were shot, at five 
minutes past eleven, a.m., on the 16th August, 1851, their 
bodies stripped by the populace, and afterwards carried in 
common dead-carts to Potter's Field. • 

Besides the defences alluded ^o, the old city, proper, is walled ; 
but the Campo de Marte is beyond the walls, as well as the new 
part of the town known as the suburbs of Senior de La Salud, 
Guadaloupe, Cerro, and Jesus Maria. Casa Blanca, on the 
north or east side of the entrance, in the rear of Cabano, is the 
slavetrade mart. It is here that cargoes of slaves are landed 
from Africa, and sold. 

The city contains, besides the cathedral, nine parish chm^ches, 
and six others connected with hosj^itals and military orders. 



CUBA IN 1851. 81 

Five cliaj)el8 or hermitages, eleven convents, a university, two 
colleges, a botanic garden, anatomical museum and lecture- 
rooms, an academy of painting, a school for navigation, and 
about seventy ordinary schools for both sexes. 

It also contains several benevolent institutions, among which 
is the Gasa Real Beneficencia^ which contains within its walls two 
lunatic asylums with 180 inmates. The city also contains a 
penitentiary, a Magdalen asylum, a foundling asylum, and 
several hospitals. These charitable institutions are supported by 
an annual revenue of 55 to $60,000, derived from various sources 
of municipal taxes, rents, &c. The ship and dock-yards are 
located to the south of the city. The town also contains three 
theatres and an amphitheatre for bull-fights. The old town is 
level, with narrow streets, and until greater attention was paid 
to cleanliness it used to be severely aifiicted at certain seasons of 
the year with yellow fever. 

MATANZAS. 

This town is situated on the north coast of the island, in the 
Western Department, at the bottom of a deep bay, and is fifty-two 
miles from Havana, in north latitude 23° 2' 28", and longitude 
81° 37' 44". By the census of 1850 it contained a population of 
25,000. It is well built, having some good streets, and well built 
houses of stone. 

Matanzas in point of trade and wealth is the next town to 
Havana on the island. 

The following exports from the principal towns in 1818 exhib- 
it, somewhat, their relative importance. 





NOKTH SIDE. 








Havana. Matanzas. 


Cardinas. 


Sagua Le Grand. 


Sugar, boxes, 


671,440 318,931 


13,900 


34,628 


Coffee, arobas, 


93,797 61,251 


1,094 




Molasses, hhds., 


♦25,886 61,793 


60,508 


8,327 


Rum, pipes. 


10,479 




1 


Leaf unm. Tobacco lbs. 








Cigars, thousands. 


136,980 




62 



Copper ore, quintals 100 lbs. 



32 




CUBA m 1851. 








Gibaro. Remedies. 


Neuvilas. Baraco 


Sugar, 




1,648 5,595 


4,293 


Coffee, 




16,241 


114 


Molasses, 




16,201 1,880 


5,030 


Rum, 






223 


Tobacco, 




1,867,736 


2,269 102,168 


Cigars, 




588 88 


2,061 247 


Copper ore, 








Mariel, 8,336 hhds. molasses. 










SOUTH SIDE. 






Mazanillo. 


Trinidad. St. Jago de Cuba. 


Cenfuegos. Santa Cru 


Sugar, 


115 


69,656 31,298 


59,215 198 


Coffee, 




3,609 548,432 


128 


Molasses, 


1,475 


26,175 857 


14,160 997 


Rum, 




60 554 


379 181 


Tobacco, 


315,570 


1,208,536 


6,000 2,669 


Cigars, 


542 


3991^ 4,575 


41>^ 155 


Copper, ore, 




571,826 





THE CUBAN REVOLUTION. 

The contemplated revolution by the Creole inhabitants of 
Cuba is not of recent origin. As far back as 1842, an Ameri- 
can gentleman who had resided in Cuba, and was familiar with 
its peojjle and their political opinions, while on a visit to 'New 
York stated that a revolution was then in confidential agitation 
and was sanctioned by some of the wealthiest and most respecta- 
ble Creole families on the island. This gentleman, feeling dis- 
posed to favor their views, examined into the nature and cost of 
the implements of war. Among other things he investigated 
plans for blowing vessels out of water by means of the electrical 
battery. He also informed himself as to other missiles of war. 
Tie returned to Havana well stored with information to await the 
ripening of the schemes of revolution. We believe that he died 
some years since. There were very few in JSTew York at the 
time referred to with whom he conferred on the subject. 

It was not until the winter and spring of 1849-50 that any plans 
were sufficiently matured to make the attempt, when General 
Lopez projected the famous expedition in the steamship Creole, 



CUBA IN 1851. 33 

and landed at Cardinas, in May, 1850. There seemed to be a 
want of concert of action between his plans and those of the 
patriots on the island ; for instead of their meeting him and 
seconding his movement, he found it impossible, with the small 
force of Americans under his command, to maintain his position. 
Matanzas was the point for which he was aiming, and which he 
expected to reach by railroad, or other means from Cardinas. 
But the better to defend himself he had to tear up the rails of 
the road to prevent the arrival of government troops, and the 
transmission of intelligence to the capital. It is said the officer 
in command of the Spanish troops after marching within 12 
miles of Cardinas came to a halt, and failed to go a step further. 
For 'this he was threatened with a court martial ; but he intimat- 
ed that if he was brought to trial he would be compelled to dis- 
close the fact, that the reason he could not go farther was, that- 
the fidelity of the troops could not be depended on. The court, 
martial it is said was never ordered. 

General Lopez, for his retreat from Cardinas in the Creole,., 
was severely condemned by many. They considered it an act of 
fickleness, if not of cowardice ; but the story related by himself' 
and friends was, that he returned on board of the Creole with the 
view of entering the town of Matanzas from sea, where the 
patriots had more strength, and were better prepared to give^ 
him assistance ; but that after getting to sea, his men, discour- 
aged by the fatigue and fighting at Cardinas, feared that their 
numbers were too small to make a stand at Matanzas, and insist- 
ed on his returning them in the Creole to the United States, , 
which was accordingly complied with. General Lopez, after 
landing some of his men, we believe, at Key West, landed him- 
self at Savannah, where he was arrested but discharged. He' 
afterwards went to N'ew Orleans, and visited other places. 

Another portion of his expedition was landed at the isl- 
and of Contoy, where they were taken by the Spanish author- 
ities, without arms, and carried into Havana, where, by the un- 
wearied exertions and firm conduct of Mr. Campbell, our consul, 



34 CUBA IN 1851. 

they were finally liberated and sent home. Some members of 
this division stated that they shipped from ISTew Orleans in good 
faith as California emigrants, and were not undeceived until they 
were at sea, and that they then insisted on being returned, or 
landed somewhere else than on the island of Cuba, and were 
hence left on the island of Contoy. 

Colonel Campbell claimed their discharge as American citizens, 
captured beyond the jurisdiction of the Captain-General. This, 
with other arguments earnestly enforced, led to their discharge. 
The persons charged with having been concerned in the Cuba 
expedition were arraigned before the United States Circuit 
Court at New Orleans on the 16th December, 1851. The follow- 
ing answered to their names : — General IlTarcisso Lopez, Colonel 
Theodore O'Hara, Colonel John Picket, Major Thomas Haw- 
kins, Colonel William H. Bell, Captain Sigur, and General D. 
Augustin. Those who did not appear were A. Gonzales, 
Governor Quitman, John O'Sullivan, Major Bunch, Peter Smith, 
and l!T. D. Havens. General Lopez pleaded in abatement of 
the indictment, on the ground that the grand jury had been 
illegally impaneled, as also did Sigur and Augustin. The 
others put in a plea of not guilty. 

General Quitman, for whose arrest a warrant was issued by 
the court, at first hesitated to obey, but afterwards resigned 
his office as governor and submitted to the requirements of the 
law. 

Governor Henderson's trial was proceeded with, and resulted 
in the failure of the prosecution to procure a conviction. The 
attorney withdrew all the suits, and the parties were discharged. 
I The collection at Bound Island had dispersed, probably from the 
impossibility of escaping the intervention of the United States au- 
! thorities, combined with the difficulty of obtaining transports 
\ properly commanded and armed. Another contemplated ex- 
pedition from l!^ew,Tork was also checked, and prevented fi-om 
sailing. 

General Taylor had issued a proclamation in favor of enforcing 



CUBA IN 1851. 85 

the neutrality laws. The j)eople of ]^ew Orleans soon after 
gave General Quitman a public dinner. 

The steamer Pampero was fitted out at Kew Orleans with 
great privacy, and little was known about the movement until 
she was nearly ready to sail with General Lopez and his 450 
officers and men. She passed down the river, being cheered on 
her way, and went to sea without molestation. 

The expedition was one of the most daring, not to say rash, of / 
modern times. ^Notwithstanding Pres. Fillmore had issued his 
proclamation, declaring all persons engaging in the expedition 
outlaws, and beyond the protection of the American flag; 
notwithstanding the Captain-General of Cuba had published his 
intention of shooting all taken with arms in their hands against 
the government, yet we find the Pampero standing on a straight 
course for Bahia Honda, within forty miles of Havana, and pass- 
ing within sight of the battlements of Moro Castle. This small 
but brave band of men were landed. They placed themselves, ' 
like Scipio on landing in Africa, without the means' of re- ; 
treat, — the former burnt his vessels ; the latter sent off the I 
Pampero for more men. 

The attempt made the year before, had set the Creoles to think- 
ing, and the revolutionary feeling had within a year greatly in- 
creased, and had broken out near Puerto Principe and Santiago, 
about the 3d of July, and the patriots on the 4th of the same 
month issued their declaration of independence. These tidings, 
with other favorable accounts, reaching the United States, 
greatly stimulated the movements of the patriots in this country, - 
and caused General Lopez to hasten his departure from INew 
Orleans. 

In the progress of this work, and especially in relation to the 
facts connected with the late revolutionary movement, we have 
experienced much difficulty in arriving at reliable facts. It is 
probable that the whole truth regarding the movements of the 
patriots will never be revealed, unless the whole enterprise 
should be crowned with success. 



36 CUBA m 1851. 

General Lopez was formerly a citizen of Cuba, and no doubt ' 
sincerely sympathized with his countrymen in the political op- 
pressions they endured. "We think it too early to form an opinion 
as to the real character of General Lopez, and that it would be 
premature to denounce him in advance for deception and impo- 
sition, from an unfavorable expression or two, uttered in a letter 
pm-porting to come from one of the unfortunate men butchered 
by the Governor-General. If deception was practiced, Lopez 
himself may have been the victim of it, as well as his men. 
The poor untaught and timid Creoles, through their leaders, 
may have made promises to Lopez and his friends, which they 
have failed, or have been unable, to fulfill. 

The letters of Captain Kerr, and other prisoners, make no al- 
lusion to being betrayed or deceived by Lopez. 

Many suppose, because the Creoles have not risen en masse, 
against the government, that they are therefore contented with 
their lot and opposed to change. Considering their situation, 
stripped as they are of arms of all kinds, beyond the possession 
of a pocket-knife ; excluded from all offices, and deprived, to a 
great extent, of the common rudiments of an education, it could 
not be supposed that they were in a situation to resist, at once, 
23,000 Spanish troops. Only about one in sixty-three children 
of the Creole population attend any school. Hence, it may be 
supposed, that the number who can read and write among them, 
does not probably exceed one in sixty-three. Hence, it would 
be difficult for them to act in concert, and to convey intelligence 
:from one to another. If they are so loyal as pretended, why 
does not the Governor-General enrol them in the militia and 
\ arm them for the defence of the island ? Our militia force 
constitutes the bulwark of our defence. Contentment and 
loyalty is all fudge. They could not be expected to do much 
imtil a force was landed, with supplies of arms for them, to 
form the nucleus of an army, around the standard of which 
they could rally. People in their condition are moved by 
ocular demonstrations in favor of liberty ; and once the patriots 



CUBA IN 1851. 37 

break tlie spell of Spanisli rule, and military domination, by 
a few successful victories, the Creoles would very soon rally 
for freedom. 

It is not yet known wbetlfer Lopez was culpable for neglect- 
ing to succor Col. Crittenden. His own position might have 
been sucb as to have rendered it impossible. A very large force 
might have unexpectedly been so near at hand, as to have pre- 
vented it. It is possible that he might have expected the arri- 
val of Creole reinforcements at Pasos, or wherever he had en- 
camped. Lopez may have been deceived as to the power or 
disposition of his countrymen to aid him, or he may have been 
rash, but it remains to be shown that he was either a " scoun- 
drel" or a " coward." His life was at stake as much as that of any 
of his men, and if captured, he could only expect to die by the 
severest tortures known to Spanish cruelty. 

If the Creoles of Havana are contented and happy, it is sin- 
gular that they should send so many Creoles to the United States, 
soliciting aid in the way of arms and men, and that so many 
having fallen under suspicion, should have been exiled, and 
their property confiscated. 

The chief sums expended in the United States, in getting up 
expeditions, have been supplied by the Creoles of Cuba. It is 
mostly their funds which have supplied the sinews of war. 

The London Times admits that the half million of Creoles are 
badly governeS, and that the example of our free institutions has 
had its influence on them, and that their tendencies are Ameri- 
can, and not European ; but regarding the possibility of its an- 
nexation to the United States as dangerous to the interest of 
England, intimates that some sort of understanding or agree- 
ment between England, France and Spain exist, or should be 
come to, to prevent the independence of the people, and to per- 
petuate the despotism which rules the island. It charges that a 
bankrupt military man, and court favorite, is usually sent to 
Cuba, from Spain, to enrich himself and family at the 
expense of the people. It seems too, by its report, that the 



38 CUBA IN 1851. 

European consuls residing on the island have been acting in 
the character of sjpies^ and keeping their respective monarchies 
advised of the movements of the Creoles; and it might have 
added also, of the movements of the'people of the United States. 
We direct the attention of the reader to the following state- 
ment of the London Times of the 16th August last. It speaks 
for itself. 

" We have reason to believe that accounts have been received from the 
consular agents of the principal European powers in Cuba, which have 
excited some ap)prehensions, and have led to communications between the 
allies of the Queen of Spain /" 

The truth is, this island, indebted to our trade and enter- 
prise for its prosperity, and lying, as it were, at our very doors, 
is converted into a sort of stool-pigeon outpost of monarchy, 
where its spies and pimps, devoted to its interest, can concoct 
measures for our injury or annoyance. 

ITo American at heart, or the American government, of what- 
ever party, could be indifferent to the armed intervention of 
European powers to destroy the independence of Cuba, and that 
mainly from the fear of annexation to the United States. War, 
it seems to us, would in that case be unavoidable ; — the results 
of which might not only sweep monarchy from the l^Tew World — 
Cuba included — but from the leading kingdoms of Europe also. 

We believe in the progressive tendency of the American insti- 
tutions and her people. While some fifteen or Inore new free 
states remain to be carved out of the territory west of Minnesota 
and Iowa, extending to the Pacific Ocean, embracing the terri- 
tories of ISTew Mexico and Utah, other states, in the com^se of 
time, must sooner or later spring up on our southern and south- 
western borders. Our free institutions, if we are true to them 
and each other, will fight more battles, and win more victories 
for us, than the sword, and they are harder to fight against on 
the part of monarchies, than the best appointed armies of men. 

Probably the next move of foreign diplomacy may be an 
attempt to estrange the Mexican and other southern republics 



CUBA IN 1851. 39 

from us, and endeavor to unite them against ns. If so, this too 
will fail. 

The epithets of " Pirates,'''' '-'■Freebooters,'''' " Rollers,'''' " Out- 
laws,'''' &c., applied so freely to the Americans who went to Cuba 
in the firm belief that they were going to aid the Creoles who 
had revolted against the government, we consider not justified 
by the facts, or the character of the Americans engaged in the 
expedition. "Whatever the real state of the case was, they no 
doubt sincerely believed that a revolution had broken out, and 
that their errand was both honorable and patriotic. 

Such men as Col. Crittenden and his companions were far 
above the commission of "^^V«cy" and " robbery^'' 

So it was predicted, if the Americans ever went into Mex- 
ico as soldiers that they would rob the churches. When, it is 
said, they were there during the late war, the churches would 
have been robbed by Mexicans, and other foreigners, had not the 
Americans protected them. § 

''''Free-looting^'' '■'' piracy, '^ &c., are not ordinarily attendant 
traits of Americans. All men struggling for liberty are pirates 
and rebels in the eyes of despotism. The Hungarians were pi- 
rates in the eyes of Austria. We were rebels and pirates in the 
eyes of George the Third, and so are the Creoles taken and shot 
as pirates by the Spanish Haynau, Gen. Concha of Cuba. 

If the blood of martyrs is the seed of the church, the blood of 
patriots is no less the seed of liberty. It is believed the bloody- 
minded course pursued by the Spanish Government has done 
more to prejudice the people of the United States against Spanish 
rule, and in favor of the Creoles, than any other measure it could 
have adopted. As a mere' stroke of political policy, it was the 
most fatal error that could have been committed. So far from 
affording any additional security to the island, it has made it a 
hundred fold more insecure, if it does not cause the loss of it for- 
ever. The inhuman act has been received with feelings of hor- 
ror and indignation throughout the United States, and has raised 
up thousands of friends for Cuban independence where there 



40 CTJBA IN 1851. 

was one before. It is an act that, for all time to come, will rest 
as a bloody stain upon tbe character of the Spanish Government, 
and receive the seal of reprobation of all civilized people through- 
out the world. 

The Government, by executing even some of the ringleaders 
and confining the rest in the prison walls of Havana or of Spain, 
the ends of justice could have been better reached and with 
more advantage to the Government. The prisoners would have 
been just as incapable of harm when immured in Spanish dun- 
geons as though shot and cast on a dunghill or into a potter's 
field to rot. 

Even admitting that Lopez and all his remaining force have 
been captured and shot, it will not in the least strengthen the 
Spaniards in the government of the island. And should Gen. 
Concha shoot in succession 300 or 400 more Americans in the 
same summary manner as those slain at the castle of Atares, it 
will awaken and extend a flame of indignation from one end of 
the United States to the other, which no human authority can 
check, and which will never rest satisfied until every footprint 
of Spanish despotism is forever swept away and effaced from 
the island. 

As to the insurrection near Puerto Principe, in the Central 
Department, it is stated to have been less successful than that 
near St. Jago de Cuba, where, at last accounts, the Spanish Gen- 
eral in command had returned into St. Jago without being able 
to overcome it. 

Tet some who oppose the proffered aid of American citizens 
contend that no revolution has been attempted ; and, forsooth, 
that all Americans going there to aid them are outlaws and must 
be dealt with and shot as pirates ! We do not envy the feelings 
of those who can join the executioners in their exultations over the 
dead and mutilated bodies of American citizens. 



CUBA IN 1851. 41 

EVroENCES OP THE EEVOLUTION IN CUBA, COMMENCED BT THE 

OEEOLES OP THE ISLAND, WITH THEIR DECLARATION 

OP INDEPENDENCE, ON THE 4tH JULY, 1851. 

The first notice we received of an attempt at revolution in 
'Cuba, was brought to E'ew York on the evening of the 2 1 st July, 
and the character and extent of which is explained by the follow- 
ing correspondence, published in the New York Herald on the 
morning of the 22d. 

Although the transactions referred to have not been verified in 
every particular by later advices, it is sufficiently clear that there 
was a revolutionary movement on foot, however great or small, 
and which, of itself, was sufficient to enlist the minds and feel- 
ings of American citizens in favor of it, and to inspire them with 
the ambition of repairing to the island, to aid those whom they 
considered struggling for liberty, and without supposing, that on 
reaching the island they were to be branded and executed as 
^irates^ without trial. 

Havana, July 16, 1851. 

The revolution of Cuba has changed its chrysalis for the full grown 
fly. The first blood has been spilled. Cuba, some seem to think, has 
her Lexington. The particulars of the accounts which we receive from 
the interior are exceedingly various, but all unite upon the one great 
fact, that the pronunciamento has been made, and a slight advantage 
gained over the troops. The people of Principe have been the first to 
draw the sword. 

One of the most probable versions of the affair is the following : — 
Under pretence of celebrating Saint John and Saint Peter's festivals, 
(which occur on the 24th and 30th of June, respectively,) and in con- 
sequence, by some order of the government, of their not being cele- 
brated in Puerto Principe, a gathering of people was made a few leagues 
from the city, on the fourth day of July. The Governor, anticipating 
some open act, sent a detachment of dragoons to disperse them. These 
did not come up to the Cubans until evening, when they were attacked 
and forced to retire with a loss of (according to some accounts) 20, and 
others, 60 men. When the troops had fled, the Cubans retired to the 
hills, where they have formed an entrenched camp, and are driving in 
cattle, collecting forage, and men, and arms. It is said that Puerto 
Principe, Neuvitas, and all the adjacent country has been abandoned 
by the young men, who are supposed to have gone to join the insur- 
gents. The point where they are collecting is in the hills of Najassa. 
This pronunciamento was followed by another at Tunas, a village about 



4:2 CUBA m 1851. 

half way between Principe and Saint Jago ; and it is supposed that the 
rising has, before this time, become general in the centre and eastern 
part of the island. In the official accounts, which you will find in 
to-day's Gaceta, you will observe that no report, later than the 5th, is 
given from Principe. 

Letters have been received up to the 10th, by which we learn that a 
detachment of troops had been sent out, but did not consider itself 
strong enough to penetrate the hill country. It is feared that a corre- 
sponding movement may be made here ; and I am told that on Saturday 
night last, very strong patrols were about, as though some movement 
was anticipated. The revolution having begun, it cannot go backward ; 
and it is more than probable that the days of Spain's rule here are at 
least to be much embarrassed. The government count 14,000 troops, 
and no more, in all the island, and may, perhaps, be able to raise as 
many more from the Spanish population ; but their fleet is a good one, 
comprising some twenty sail, of which six are steamers. Whether 
the struggle be a long or short one, will depend upon the "aid and 
comfort" the Cubans receive from the United States in the shape of 
guns, pistols, powder, ball, apd men that can teach them to organize 
and manoeuvre. The Spanish troops are scattered all over the island, 
and cannot with facility be now concentrated. If, therefore, the move- 
ment becomes at all general, they will probably fall or pass to the other 
side — a thing that is not at all improbable — and whispers there-anent 
are already abroad. The civil war in Spain has so accustomed the 
army to change sides, that there is hardly a regiment that has not 
fought once or more for each. It is this, it appears to me, that makes 
the fidelity of the Spanish army such a strange contradiction. True to 
their colors, but following their colors either way. 

P. S. — 4 P.M. — Letters from Principe state that the troops are de- 
serting in squads to the insurgents. Two steamers leave to-morrow 
morning with reinforcements. A rumor is about town that Trinidad 
will rise to-morrow. 



Havana, July 16, 1851. 
You may place the fullest confidence in the following information, as 
to the insurrection going on in the eastern department of the island, 
especially in the district of Puerto Principe, for I have my intelligence 
from a source upon which I place the most implicit reliance. It ap- 
pears that, about the 5th inst., from about 800 to 1,000 men, attended 
by great numbers of women and children, assembled at a place some 
twenty leagues from Principe, unfurled the standard of Cuban inde- 
pendence, amidst cries of " Viva la Independencia Cubana !" " Mueron 
los opresores Espanolis," displaying, at the same time, several Ameri- 
can banners. The men were fully equipped for war, so that the troops 
sent after them by General Lemory, were beaten ofi" with the loss of 
one of the general's adjutants, and several soldiers. The loss on the 
part of the insurgents was small. A larger force, under Lemory in 
person, was then sent out to them, when, it is said, 100 cavalry went 



CUBA IN 1851. 43 

over to the people, who fought their way to the mountains, where 
they have entrenched themselves for the present, in the hope of receiv- 
ing reinforcements from their friends in the States. In this last affair - -^ 
forty or forty-two prisoners were captured by the troops, and, although 
it is difficult to credit, I ann assured they were instantly shot. Such is 
the history of the affair, as it stands at present. The object of the 
government being to prevent reports becoming known, seem under no 
apprehension or alarm as to the result of this affair. But it is easily to 
be seen, from the anxiety displayed, by those better acquainted with 
the country, that there is every reason to think that the terrible disas- 
ters which have been long foreshadowed in Cuba, are about to be brought 
to a crisis. 

John Foster, a native of Portsmouth, U. S., has been the driver of 
an omnibus between Havana and Jesus del Monte. Some three weeks 
ago, two Comisarios, or policemen, came to the stand at the Plaza des 
Armas, and arrested the coachman of an omnibus belonging to the 
Cerro line of coaches, a line quite distinct from that of Jesus del Monte, 
for, as they stated, running over a child in the street. This coachman, 
being a Spaniard, protested he knew nothing at all about what they 
accused him of, when, unfortunately for Foster, he happening to be on 
the stand at the time, they went towards him, and said : " You are the 
man who run over the child." Foster knew as much about it as the 
other — perhaps less — but, being an American, he was forthwith con- 
ducted to jail, where he has been locked up ever since, and up to yes- . 
terday, not a soul had been near him, to inquire into the case ; his de- 
position, if he had any to make, poor fellow, M'^as not even taken, and 
there he may remain, probably for months, shut up with assassins and 
robbers of all descriptions, while his poor wife and children are left to 
starve, and he, all the while, entirely innocent of the charge against 
him. 

The father of the child, which I have since learned was knocked 
down by a volante, and was only slightly bruised, said he would com- 
promise the matter with Foster for $50. But Foster, adhering to the 
fact of his being entirely innocent of the charge, and supported in his 
assertion by the passengers who were in his coach at the time the acci- 
dent is said to have happened, and who have declared through a public 
journal that it was not done by him, refused to pay so large a sum out 
of his hardly earned wages, and so he is still confined in jail. 

The Austrian frigate Venus, of 44 guns, arrived here yesterday, from 
the island of St. Thomas, having on board a young Prince of the royal 
family of Wirtemburg, who, I understand, is to be feted on a very mag- 
nificent scale, if the attention of the government be not otherwise en- 
gaged by the present difficulties in the interior. The French steam 
frigate of war Mogador, which has now been lying in this harbor fori! 
upwards of a year — for what particular reason nobody can tell — ^is about \1 "V 
to be relieved by the Asmodea, first class steam frigate, hourly expect- ^ ' 
ed to arrive, also from St*. Thomas. Why the French should keep 
stationed here continually a large vessel like the Mogador, would seem 



44: CUBA IN 1851. 

a mystery, were it not strongly suspected that it has some reference to 
the recent " fih'bustero" business. In the meanwhile, we, who have 'a 
better right to watch so important a crisis in the affairs of the island, 
and ought to be at Havana, are content to be cruising from Key West 
to Pensacola, and from Pensacola back to Key West. 

General Lemory has himself to thank for the insurrection at Principe. 
From the moment of his arrival at that city as its governor, arrests were 
the order of the day. The prisons were filled with what he was pleased 
to term suspected people, and those, too, from the position they hold 
as proprietors, planters, &c., the most influential of the place. We 
have seen numbers banished the island, and others confined in the forts ; 
and it is absurd to suppose that the tearing away, from the bosoms of 
their families, of fathers and sons, in the barbarous manner in which this 
has been done, on the most frivolous pretences and suspicions, would 
not be resented, and rouse feelings which have now burst forth with a 
vigor which will require all the means of this government to quash. 

P. S. — 'The government, alarmed by the probable consequences of the 
information reaching the United States, as to the critical state of things 
in the interior, have to-day put forth a statement which you will find in 
the Gazette^ of this day's date, to the effect that two parties had risen 
in insurrection, but had been compelled to seek safety in flight, and 
calling upon the people to be under no apprehension. 

This statement of the government is admitted, even by the Spaniards 
themselves, to be by no means correct, and that the affair is of far 
greater importance than what they are willing to admit. I think, from 
all I can gather, that the statements already made, are much nearer the 
truth, and you may make them public accordingly. 

The statement is evidently published to mislead the American people 
as to the serious nature of the Principe business — got up for the steam- 
ers about to sail, well knowing that the affair would reach the United 
States in spite of their wishes to the contrary. 

Havana, July 16, 1851. 

I consider that, in a political point of view, this island was never in 
a more critical state than it is at this present moment. The Creoles of 
Cuba have at length thrown down the gauntlet of defiance to the 
authority of Spain. The late act of the Captain-General, in dismissing 
the " Ayuntamiento and Sindico" (corporation) of Puerto Principe, is 
alleged to have aroused the indignation not only of the " Camague- 
nanas," but that of the whole population of the interior cities of the 
island, and even that of Havana itself, loyal ,as they may be disposed 
to be towards Spain. His Excellency, many think, might in the same 
manner dismiss them, should they venture to displease him in his 
course. 

A disturbance broke out on the 3d instant, in the neighborhood of 
Puerto Principe — a city next in importance to Havana — in the eastern 
department of the island. It is known that, simultaneous with the 
affair at Principe, a large meeting of men took place some twenty 



ctTBA m 1851. 45 

leagues from that city, and that upon the troops being sent to disperse 
them, a skirmish ensued, which resulted in the troops being beaten off, 
with the loss of their commander, and sixteen killed. The insurgents, 
who, it is variously stated, number from five hundred to fifteen hun- 
dred men, took to the mountains, and have strongly entrenched them- 
selves, in the hope that the move now begun will prove general 
throughout the island, and that their friends, the Filibusteros^ will fly 
to their assistance. The Creoles of the interior are excellent horsemen, 
strong, athletic, and hardy men, always on horseback, and accustomed 
to thread the dense and intricate forests of the island, in which the 
Spanish soldier would be found completely useless, however brave. 
This movement has, it is supposed, extensive ramifications throughout 
the whole of Cuba ; and we are on the verge of a crisis which will 
require all the energy and ability of the government to put down — an 
event by no means certain, if we are to credit the reports of the na- 
tives, who seem to be quite confident of the success of their plans, and 
the speedy overthrow of the Spanish dominion in Cuba. It is no less 
a sign of the times to witness the hasty departure abroad of certain 
wealthy Creoles, who might, from their supposed opinions, in favor of 
Cuban independence, become compromised by remaining on the island, 
in the power of the government. 

You will scarcely credit what I now tell you, but it is nevertheless 
a fact, that it was considered necessary that this, " the always faithful 
city," surrounded as it is, and completely at the mercy of so many 
forts, should be guarded with the greatest vigilance, which was duly 
exercised over it on Saturday night last. Patrols were seen in every 
direction, and double guards mounted, for it was suspected that some 
were disloyal enough to follow the example of Principe ; and yet 
such is the terror exercised over the minds of the Habaneros, fron; the 
system of espionage introduced into the city, that few indeed venture 
to express an open opinion upon the state of things, or even any opin- 
ion at all, so that a stranger coming here would imagine we were in 
the enjoyment of the most perfect state of political tranquillity. 

That the present state of feehng which exists between the Cubans 
and the Spanish can last, is out of the question. The hospitality and 
generosity of the Cubans in the interior is proverbial, and their love for 
their country amounts almost to adoration. I could recount many anec- 
dotes illustrating this, but the following will be sufficient : — About a 
month back, some one hundred men and their officers, belonging to a 
regiment of cavalry, on their way from Manati to Puerto Principe, 
halted for the night at a hacienda, where the proprietor received them 
with the greatest cordiality — made provision for the men to pass the 
night, and invited the olficers to partake of the hospitality the house 
afforded. He being a creole of great wealth, they fared well ; his two 
daughters, handsome, well educated, and accomplished girls, were in- 
vited by the officers to play for them on the piano, and to sing, saying 
they had heard much of their vocal powers. The young ladies, with 
the grace and ease of their caste, at once acceded to their request, and 



40 CUBA m 1851. 

commenced singing several of their most patriotic Cuban airs, to the 
consternation of the officers, who for some time, perhaps out of deli- 
cacy, or from surprise, remained rooted to the spot ; at length they 
remonstrated with the ladies, declaring they could not listen to songs 
so treasonable and improper. The ladies, singularly enough, replied, 
" that those were their favorite songs, which they preferred to all oth- 
ers, and that if the gentlemen did not like them, they could proceed 
upon their journey when it suited their convenience." 

Havana, July 17 — 11 30 a. m. 

Notwithstanding the counter statements again put forth by the gov- 
ernment, this morning, I confirm all the previous information which 
you will find in my letters of yesterday's date, relative to the revolu- 
tion going on in the interior and eastern district of this island, with the 
addition that similar movements have taken place at Las Tunas, Sa- 
beccu, Byamo, Trinidad, and Pino del Rio, and that it is positively 
stated that great numbers of the troops have gone over to the insur- 
gents. The government do all in their power to prevent the true state 
of things becoming known to the people of the capital, and it is easily 
to be perceived they are under great apprehensions and alarm. Nearly 
all the vessels of war have been sent to sea, and the steamer Blasco de 
Garcy sailed at 10 p.m., last night, with troops for Principe. 

The expected French steamer Asmodea, a large vessel, arrived 
from St. Thomas, yesterday afternoon. 

On the 28tli of July, news of the further progress of the 
revolution was received by the arrival of the Isabella at Savan- 
nah, and by the schooner Pauline from Neuvitas, on the 27th, 
together with the declaration of independence, published in 
the Wevj York Herald of the 28th of July. In submitting a 
copy of the declaration of independence, we head it with a copy 
of the flag adopted bv the patriots. 

The editor of the Herald prefaces these advices with the fol- 
lowing remarks : 

" These advices are probably the most authentic of any yet received. 

" The official account of the insurrection at Port Principe related 
only to a small skirmish on the 3d of July, in which Joaquin de Aguero 
y Sanchez was taken prisoner, and a few arms captured bj^ the Spanish 
troops. The news by this arrival is to the 14th July from Puerto Prin- 
cipe, being eleven days later than the last accounts from that place. • 

" The pronunciamento for independence was made on the 4th of 
July, on which day the first real battle maybe said to have taken place. 
The government troops previously sent out to make prisoners of any 
revolutionists, came up with the guerilla party of Joaquin Aguero y 
Aguero, at the foot of the Cascorro mountains, and about four or five 



OTJBA IN 1851. 



47 



miles from the village of that name. The Cubans nmnbered 200 men, 
and the Spaniards 300 men, consisting of 100 lancers and 200 infantry. 
After a sharp engagement, the Spaniards fled, their captain being killed, 
and twenty others, together with eighteen wounded. The Cubans had 
only two or three wounded, and none killed. ! Twelve of the Spanish 
soldiers came over to the Cuban side. This battle inspired very great 
confidence among the people, and immediately the numbers of the in- 
surgents increased rapidly. At the last account their numbers were in 
all as high as 1,000 men. These were divided up into five guerilla 
parties of 200 each, under the command of Joaquin Aguero y Aguero, 
Francisco Aguero y Estrada, aad Ubaldo Arteaga Pina. These 
parties are stationed around in the strongholds, in the vicinity of Cas- 
corro and Principe, drilling and augmenting their numbers. 

" After the battle of the 4th, the Spanish troops hurried hack to 
Principe, seventeen leagues from Cascorro. When the news of the 
defeat reached Principe there was a great excitement among the people, 
and nothing but the large number of soldiers prevented a general rising 
and massacre among the troops. The garrison is over 4,000 ; but not- 
withstanding this large number. General Lemory did not deem it pru- 
dent to withdraw a single man to go out in pursuit of the Cubans, for 
fear of a rising, but awaited the arrival of reinforcements from Havana, 
having sent for 2,000 men. 




TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE ISLAND OF CtJEA. 

Manifesto and Proclamation of their Independence hy the Lib- 
erating Society of Puerto Principe. {La Sociedad Leherta- 
dora de P. P.) 

Human Reason revolts against the idea that the social and political 
condition of a people can be indefinitely prolonged, in which man, 
stripped of all rights and guarantees, with no security of person or 
property, no enjoyment in the present, no hope in the future, lives only 
by the will, and under the conditions imposed by the pleasure of his 
tyrants ; where a vile calumny, a prisoner's denunciation, a despot's 



48 CUBA EST 1851. 

suspicion, a word caught up by surprise in the sanctuary of home, or 
from the violated privacy of a letter, furnishes ample grounds for tear- 
ing a man from his hearth, and casting him forth to die of destitution or 
despair in a foreign soil, if he escapes being subjected to the insulting 
forms of a barbarous and; arbitrary tribunal, where his persecutors are 
themselves the judges who condemn him, and where, instead of their 
proving his offence, he is required to prove his innocence. 

A situation so violent as this, Cuba has now been for many years 
enduring ; and far from any promise of remedy appearing, every day 
adds new proof that the policy of the mother-country, and the ferocity 
of her rulers, will grant neither truce nor rest till she is reduced to the 
condition of an immense prison, where every Cuban will be watched 
by a guard, and will have to pay that guard for watching him. In vain 
have this people exhibited a mildness, a prudence, and even a submis- 
sion and loyalty, which have been proverbial. 

When the iniquity of the government has not been able to find any 
ostensible grounds for persecution, it has had recourse to cowardly arts 
and snares to tempt its victims into some offence. Thus were various 
individuals of Matanzas entrapped into an ambuscade of the soldiery, 
by the pretext of selling them some arms, under circumstances which 
made them believe those arms were necessary for self-defence, against 
threatened attacks from the Peninsulars. Thus have sergeants, and 
even officers, been seen to mingle among the country people, and pass 
themselves off" as enemies of the government, for the purpose of be- 
traying them into avowals of their sentiments, to the ruin of many per- 
sons so informed against, as well as to the disgrace of military honor on 
the part of those who have lent themselves to so villanous a service. 

If the sons of Cuba, moved by the dread of greater evils, have ever 
determined to employ legitimate means of imposing some law, or some 
restraint, upon the unbridled excesses of their rulers, these latter have 
always found the way to distort such acts into attempts at rebellion. 

For having dared to give utterance to principles and opinions, which, 
to other nations, constitute the foundation of their moral progress and 
glory, the Cubans most distinguished for their virtues and talents have 
found themselves wanderers and exiles. For the offence of having ex- 
hibited their opposition to the unlawful and perilous slavetrade, from 
which the avarice of General O'Donnell promised itself so rich a har- 
vest of lucre, the latter satiated his resentment with the monstrous ven- 
geance of involving them in a charge of conspiracy with the free colored 
people and the slaves of the estates ; endeavoring, as the last outrage 
that an immoral government could offer to law, to reason, or to nature, 
to prove the object of that conspiracy, in which they implicated whites 
of the most eminent virtue, knowledge, and patriotism, to have been no 
other than the "destruction of their own race." 

All the laws of society and nature trampled under foot — all races and 
conditions confounded together — the island of Cuba then presented to 
the civilized world a spectacle worthy of the rejoicings of hell. The 
wretched slaves saw their flesh torn from them under the lash, and be- 
spattered with blood the faces of their executioners, who did not cease 



CUBA m 1851. 49 

exacting from their tortures denunciations against accomplices. Others 
were shot in platoons, without form of trial, and without even coming 
to understand the pretext under v/hich they were masacred. The free 
colored people, after having been first lacerated by the lash, were then 
hurried to the scaffold, and those only escaped with life who had gold 
enough to appease the fury of their executioners. And nevertheless, 
when the government, or its followers, has come to fear some rising of 
the Cubans, their first threat has been that of arming the colored peo- 
ple against them for their extermination. We abstain for very shame 
from repeating the senseless pretences to which they have had recourse 
to terrify the timid. Wretches ! how have they been able to imagine 
that the victims of their fury, with whom the whites of Cuba have 
shared in common the horrors of misery and persecution, will turn 
against their own friends at the call of the very tyrant who has torn 
them in pieces .? If the free colored people, who know their interests 
as well as the whites, take any part in the movement of Cuba, it cer- 
tainly will not be to the injury of the mother who shelters them in her 
bosom, nor of those other sons of hers who have never made them feel 
the difference of their race and condition, and who, far from plundering 
them, have taken pride in being their defenders, and in meriting the 
title of their benefactors. 

The world would refuse to believe the history of the horrid crimes 
which have been perpetrated in Cuba, and would reasonably consider 
that if there have been monsters to commit, it is inconceivable that there 
could so long have been men to endure them. But if there are few 
able to penetrate to the truth of particular facts, through all the means 
employed by the government to obscure and distort them, no one will 
resist the evidence of public and official facts. 

Publicly, and with arms in his hands, did Gen. Tacon despoil Cuba 
of the constitution of Spain, proclaimed by all the powers of the mon- 
archy, and sent to be sworn to in Cuba, as the fundamental law of the 
whole kingdom. 

Publicly, and by legislative act, was Cuba declared to be deprived of 
all the rights enjoyed by all Spaniards, and conceded by nature and the 
laws of nations the least advanced in civilization. 

Publicly have the sons of Cuba been cut off from all admission to the 
commands and lucrative employments of the State. 

Public are the unlimited powers, of every description granted to the 
Captain Generals of Cuba, who can refuse to those whom they condemn 
even the right of a trial, and the privilege of being sentenced by a tri- 
bunal. 

Public and permanent in the island of Cuba, are those courts martial 
which the laws permit only in extraordinary cases of war, for offences 
against the State. 

Publicly has the Spanish press hurled against Cuba the threat of con- 
verting the island into ruin and ashes, by liberating the slaves, and un- 
chaining; against her the hordes of barbarian Africans. 

Public are the impediments and difficulties imposed upon every mdi- 
4 



50 CUBA EST 1851. 

vidua], to restrain him from moving from place to place, and from exer- 
cising any branch of industry — no one being safe from arrest and fine, 
for some deficiency of authority or license, at every step he may take. 

Public are the taxes which have wasted away the substance of the 
island and the projects of other new ones, which threaten to abolish all 
the products of its riches — nothing being left for its people but the toils 
to produce them. 

Public are the petty exactions and plunderings, at every turn, inflic- 
ted in the most unblushing manner, in addition to the general imposi- 
tions by the subaltern mandarins of authority in their respective locali- 
ties. 

Finally, the government has publicly and officially declared — and the 
journals in its pay have labored to sustain the declaration with foul 
commentary — ^" that the inhabitans of Cuba have no organ nor right of 
action, even for the purpose of directing an humble prayer to. the feet 
of the sovereign." The fact that the corporation of Puerto Principe, 
with the authorization of the Governor, who presided over it, addressed 
to the Queen a memorial to the effect that the royal court (audiencia) 
shall not be suppressed in that district, gave rise to the removal of the 
members of the corporation from oflSce, and to the unheard-of arbitrari- 
ness of that declaration, in which to increase the outrage, it added that 
the government is not bound in its proceedings to consult the opinions 
and interests of the country. 

Outrages so great and so frequent, reasons so many and so strong, 
suffice not merely to justify, but to sanctify, in the eyes of the whole 
world, the cause of the independence of Cuba, and any effort of her 
people, by their own exertions, or with friendly aid from abroad, to put 
an end to the evils they suffer, and secure the rights with which God 
and nature have invested man. 

Who will in Cuba oppose this indefeasible instinct, this imperative 
necessity of defending our property, and of seeking in the institutions 
of a just, free and regulated government, that welfare and security 
which are the conditions on which alone civilized society can exist ? 

The Peninsulars (natives of Spain) perhaps, who have come to Cuba 
to marry our daughters, who have here their children, their affections 
and their property, will they disregard the laws of nature to range 
themselves on the side of a government which oppresses them as it 
oppresses us, and which will neither thank them for the service, nor be 
able, with all their help, to prevent the triumph of the independence of 
Cuba? 

Are not they as intimately bound up with the happiness and interest 
of Cuba as those blood natives of her soil, who will never be able to 
deny the name of their fathers, and who, in rising up to-day against the 
despotism of the government, would wish to count upon their co-opera- 
tion as the best guaranty of their new social organization, and the strong- 
est proof of the justice of their cause ? 

Have they not fought in the Peninsula itself, for their national inde- 
pendence, for the support of the same principles for which we, the sons 



CUBA IN 1851. 51 

of Cuba proclaim, and which, being the same for men in all countries, 
cannot be admitted in one and rejected in another without doing treason 
to nature and to the light of reason, from which they spring? 

No, no — it cannot be that they should carry submissiveness to the 
point of preferring their own ruin, and the spilling of the blood of their 
sons and brothers, to the triumph of the holiest cause ever embraced by 
man — a cause which aims to promote their own happiness, and to pro- 
tect their rights and properties. The Peninsulars who adorn and enrich 
our soil, and to whom the title of labor gives as high a right as our own 
to its preservation, know very well that the sons of Cuba regard them 
with personal affection — have never failed to recognise the interest and 
reciprocal wants which unite the two — nor have ever held them respon- 
sible for the perversenses of the few, and for the iniquities of a govern- 
ment whose infernal policy alone has labored to separate them, on the 
tyrant's familiar maxim — to divide and conquer. 

We, who proceed in good faith, and with the noble ambition of earn- 
ing the applause of the world for the justice of our acts — we surely 
cannot aim at the destruction of our brothers, nor at the usurpation of 
their properties ; and far from meriting that vile calumny which the 
government will endeavor to fasten upon us, we do not hesitate to 
swear, in the sight of God and of man, that nothing would better accord 
with the wishes of our hearts, or with the glory and happiness of our 
country, than the co-operation of the Peninsulars in the sacred work of 
liberation. United with them, we could realize that idea of entire inde- 
pendence which is a pleasing one to their own minds ; but if they pre- 
sent themselves in our way as enemies, we shall not be able to answer 
for the security of their persons and properties, nor, when adventuring 
all for the main object of the liberty of Cuba, shall we be able to renounce 
any means of effecting it. 

But if we have all these reasons to expect that the Peninsulars, who 
are in nowise dependent on the government, and who are so bound up 
with the fate of Cuba, will at least remain neutral, it will not be 
supposed that we can promise ourselves the same conduct on the 
part of the army, the individuals composing which, without ties or 
affections, know no other law nor consideration than the will of 
their commander: We pity the lot of those unfortunate men, subject 
to a tyranny as hard as our own, who, torn from their homes in the 
flower of their youth, have been brought to Cuba to oppress us, on con- 
ments and hopes of life. If they shall appreciate the difference between 
dition of themselves renouncing the dignity of men and all the enjoy- 
a free and happy citizen and a dependent and hireling soldier, and choose 
to accept the benefits of liberty and prosperity, which we tender them, 
we will a;dmit them into our ranks as brethren. But if they shall disre- 
gard the dictates of reason and of their own interests, and allow them- 
selves to be controlled by the insidious representations of their tyrants, 
so as to regard it as their duty to oppose themselves to us on the field of 
battle as enemies, we will then accept the combat, alike without hate 



52 CUBA IN 1851. 

and without fear, and always willing, whenever they may lay down 
their arms, to welcome them to our embrace. 

To employ the language of moderation and justice — to seek for 
means of peace and concihation — to invoke the sentiments of love and 
brotherhood — befits a cultivated and Christian people, which finds itself 
forced to appeal to the violent recourse of arms, not for the purpose of 
attacking the social order and the lives of fellow beings, but to recover 
the condition and the rights of man, usurped from them by an unjust 
and tyrannical power. But let not the expression of our progress and 
wishes encourage in our opponents the idea that we are ignorant of our 
resources, or distrustful of our strength. All the means united, at the 
disposal of the Peninsulars in Cuba, against us, could only make the 
struggle more protracted and disastrous ; but the issue in our favor 
could not be any the less sure and decisive. 

In the ranks of independence we have to count all the free sons of 
Cuba, whatever may be the color of their race — the brave nations of 
South America, who inhabit our soil, and v/ho have already made trial 
of the strength and conduct of our tyrants — the sturdy islanders of the 
Canaries, who love Cuba as their country, and who have already had an 
Hernandez and a Montes de Oca, to seal with the proof of martyrdom, 
the heroic decision of their compatriots for our cause. 

The ranks of the government would find themselves constantly thin- 
ned by desertion, by the climate, by death, which from all quarters 
would spring up among them in a thousand forms. Cut short of means 
to pay and maintain their army, dependent on recruits from Spain to fill 
up their vacancies, without an inch of friendly ground on which to plant 
their feet, or an individual on whom to rely with security, war in the 
field would be for them one of extermination ; while, if they shut them- 
selves within the defences of their fortresses, hunger and want would 
soon compel them to abandon them, if they were not carried by force of 
arms. The example of the whole continent of Spanish America, under 
circumstances more favorable for them, when they had Cuba as their 
arsenal, the benefit of her coffers, and native aid in those countries them- 
selves, ought to serve them as a lesson not to undertake an extermina- 
ting and fratricidal struggle, which could not fail to be attended with 
the same or worse results. 

We, on the other hand, besides our own resources, have, in the 
neighboring States of the Union, and in all the republics of America, 
the encampments of our troops, the depots of our supplies, and the ar- 
senals of our arms. All the sons of this vast New World, whose bosom 
shelters the island of Cuba, and who have had, like us, to shake off by 
force the yoke of tyranny, will enthusiastically applaud our resolve, will 
fly by hundreds to place themselves beneath the flag of liberty in our 
ranks, and their trained and experienced valor will aid us in annihila- 
ting, once and for always, the last badge of ignominy that still disgraces 
the free and independent soil of America. 

If we have hitherto hoped, with patience and resignation, that justice 
and their own interests would change the mind of our tyrants ; if we 



CUBA IN 1851. 63 

have trusted to external efforts to bring the mother country to a nego- 
tiation which should avoid the disasters of war, we are resolved to 
prove by deeds that inaction and endurance have not been the re- 
sults of impotence and cowardice. Let the government undeceive itself 
in regard to the power of its bayonets and the efficacy of all the means 
it has invented to oppress and watch us. In the face of its very autho- 
rities — in the sight of the spies at our side — on the day when we have 
resolved to demand back our rights, and by force to break our chains, 
nothing has prevented us from combining the plan of our revolution ; 
and the cry of liberty and independence will rise from the Cape of San 
Antonia to the Point of Maysi. 

We, then, as provisional representatives of the people of Cuba, and 
in exercise of the rights which God and nature have bestowed upon 
every freeman, to secure his welfare and establish himself under the 
form of government that suits him, do solemnly declare, taking God to 
witness the ends we propose, and invoking the favor of the people of 
America, who have preceded us with their example, that the Island of 
Cuba is, and, by the laws of nature ought to be, independent of Spain ; 
and that henceforth the inhabitants of Cuba are free from all obedience 
or subjection to the Spanish government, and the individuals composing 
it ; owing submission only to the authority and direction of those who, 
while awaiting the action of the general suffrage of the people, are 
charged, or may provisionally charge themselves, with the command 
and government of each locality, and of the military forces. 

By virtue of this declaration, the free sons of Cuba, and the inhabi- 
tants of the Island who adhere to her cause, are authorized to take 
up arms, to unite into corps, to name officers and juntas of government 
for their organization and direction, for the purpose of putting them- 
selves in communication with the juntas constituted for the proclama- 
tion of the independence of Cuba, and which have given the initiative 
to this movement. Placed in the imposing attitude of making them- 
selves respected, our compatriots will prefer all the means of persua- 
sion to those of force ; they will protect the property of neutrals, what- 
ever may be their origin ; they will welcome the Peninsulars into their 
ranks as brothers, and will respect all property. 

If, notwithstanding our purposes and fraternal intentions, the Spanish 
government should find partizans obstinately bent upon sustaining it, 
and we have to owe our liberty to the force of arms, sons of Cuba, let 
us prove to the republics of America which are contemplating us, that 
we having been the last to follow their example does not riiake us un- 
worthy of them, nor incapable of meriting our liberty and achieving our 
independence. 

JOAQUIN DE AGUERO AGUERO, 
FRANCISCO AGUERO ESTRADU, 
UBALDO ARTEACA PIJJA. 

July 4, 1S51. 



64: CUBA m 1851. 

DETAILED ACCOTJNTS OF THE EXPEDITION, AND OE THE EXECUTION OF 

THE FIETT AMERICANS UNDER THE COMMAND OF COLONEL 

CRITTENDEN, AT HAVANA. 

On the 21st of August the steamship "Winfield Scott arrived 
at ISTew York from New Orleans, via Kej West, bringing the 
startling intelligence that General Lopez had landed, from the 
Pampero, on the island of Cuba, with 450 men. The following 
letter from Kej West to the JVew York Jlerald received by the 
Scott, unfolds particulars of interest respecting the expedition : — 

Key West, August IT, 1851. 

The steamer Pampero, Captain Lewis, with General l^arciso 
Lopez, and four hundred and fifty followers, came through the 
ISTorth West Pass, and anchored off our light house, on Sunday 
last, at 5 p. M. She communicated with the shore and left again 
at 10 p. M. It is understood that the Hungarian General Pragay, 
with several other distinguished foreign ofl&cers, were on board, 
with Colonels Chace, Crittenden, Downer, and many other 
American gentlemen of standing and character. The night was 
perfectly calm, and the moon shone brightly when she left her 
anchorage for the shores of Cuba, and all hands appeared to be 
in glorious spirits and gave three hearty cheers. 

On Thursday last the Pampero returned, remained a few 
minutes in the harbor, and left again for parts unknown ; it is 
supposed for another party of filibusteros. It is understood that 
she took a pilot out of a Spanish vessel off Havana, and landed 
her people at ten o'clock^ jp.m.^ on Tuesday last^ about twelve 
miles eastward of Baliia Honda^ wJiere they were immediately 
joined iy the people of the surrounding cou7itry. The Pampero 
left at seven o'dock on the next morning^ and Lopez was to 
ma/pch at ten o'clock against the nearest military post. 

A Spanish smack, sent by Francisco Marti, the manager of 
the Havana Opera House, came here four days ago to pick up 
intelligence and left again the same evening, carrying off a 
Spanish refugee from justice, who has resided here for some 



CUBA IN 1851. 55 

time, and who goes over to give sucli items of news as his fears 
or invention may dictate. 

A company of volunteers for Cuba, armed and equipped 
efficiently, left here privately within the last few days. 

This expedition seems to have been planned with a good deal 
of skill ; and shere appears to be a determination among those 
engaged in it, to sink or swim, survive or perish, in the cause. 
The following are the names of most of the leading men who are 
supposed to have landed at Cubanos from the Pampero : 

General l!^arciso Lopez, the leader of the expedition. 

Colonel J. Pragay, late of the Hungarian army, formerly 
Adjutant General to General Klapka, and second in command 
at Comorn, when that place capitulated. He goes second in 
command to General Loj)ez. 

Colonel Crittenden, late of the IT. S. Army, and nephew of 
the Attorney General of the United States. He has the imme- 
diate command of the artillery. 

Colonel Dollman, of Georgia, who served through the Mexican 
war. 

Colonel Chase. 

Major J. A. Kelly, who served in the Florida and Mexican 
wars, and was once a leading whig editor in Louisiana. 

Captain W. Scott Haynes. 

Captain A. J. Dailey. 

Captain Ellis, late of the Hungarian Army. 

Captain Yictor Kerr, late of the American Army in Mexico. 

The Pampero is commanded by Captain Lewis, who directed 
the Creole so successfully in the Cardenas expedition ; and who 
was arrested in this city a short time ago, while in command of 
the Cleopatra, and held to bail in the sum of $5,000. The 
Pampero is quite fast, and will run ahead of any of the war 
steamers. 

The public had scarcely had time to become acquainted with 
this news, before the Cherokee arrived, about nine o'clock at 
night on the 21st, with the horrifying details of the summary 



56 CUBA m 1851. 

execution of the fifty Americans before the castle of Atares, at 
Havana. "We make the following extracts from the published 
accounts : — 

It appears from statemetns published in the ISTew Orleans papers, 
said to have been supplied from Col. Crittenden himself, that soon 
after landing from the Pampero, near Bahia Honda, that he was 
left with his detachment in charge of the artillery and baggage, 
while Lopez, with his remaining force, pushed on to a village 
not far distant, probably Posas / and that after waiting some- 
time to hear from Lopez, Colonel Crittenden sent to him to learn 
his position and his wishes, when Lopez ordered him to join him. 
With this view Colonel Crittenden commenced his line of march 
at a late hour in the night, and had only proceeded about two 
or three miles, when he was met by a large Spanish force, whom 
he succeeded in repelling, but they were shortly reinforced to the 
estimated number of five hundred to seven hundred of the 
Queen's troops, when they charged on Crittenden with his hand- 
ful of men and dispersed them. They were forced to seek safety 
in the chapparal, where they remained for a day or two destitute 
of food, and finally reached the sea-shore, where they embarked 
in fom* launches, and spent one night at sea, hoping to fall in with 
a vessel of some friendly power. They were, however, forced 
to return near the coast, and when near to the island of Levisa, 
they were captured by the Habanero, as stated, without having 
with them any means of defence. It is said that Colonel 
Crittenden stated that he was not in possession of a single car- 
tridge. 

" They were brought to Havana by the Habanero, on Saturday morn- 
ing, the 16th August, at 1 a.m., and taken from on board a Spanish 
frigate, lying in port, and executed at 11:5 a.m. of the same mwning. 
After they were shot, they were dragged by the feet, by negroes, and then 
left to the mob, who commenced stri2opmg them of their clothes and carrying 
them on sticks through the streets, yelling like so many tuild demons. 

" Annexed is a list of the names of those men who were shot on the 
public road, in Havana. It is estimated that there were 20,000 specta- 
tors : — 



CUBA IN 1851. 



57 



Colonel W. S. Crittenden, 
Captain F.S. Sewer, 
" Victor Kerr, 
" T. B. Veacey, 
Lieutenant James Brandt, 
" J. O. Bryce, 
" Thomas C. James, 
Doctor John Fisher, 

" K. A. Tourniquet, 
Sergeant J. Whitereus, 

" A. M. Cotchett, 
Adjutant R. C. Stanford, 
Lieutenant M. H. Homes, 
Private Samuel Mills, . 
" Edward Bulman, ■ 
" George A. Arnold, 
" B.J. Wregy, >« 
" William Niseman, 
" Anselmo Torres, ■■ 
" — Hernandez, . 
" Patrick Dillon, , 
" Thomas Hearsey, . 
" Samuel Reed, 
" H. T. Vinne, 



Private James L. Manville, - 

" G. M. Green, ' 

" J. Salmon, 

" Napoleon Collins, 

" N. H. Fisher, ■ 

" William Chilling, . 

" G. A. Cook, . 

" S. O. Jones, . 

" M. H. Ball, ■ 

" James Buxet, 

" Robert Caldwell, 

" C. C. Wm. Smith, ■ 

" A. Ross, 

" P. Brourke, 

" John Christdes, . 

" William B. Little, >- 

" Robert Cantley, - 

" John G. Sanka, . 

" James Stanton, - 

" Thomas Harnatt,- 

" Alexander Mcllcer, • 

" JohnStubbs, • 

" James Ellis, • 

" William Hogan, • 

" Charles A. Robinson. 



" M. Philips, . 

" This list embraces forty-nine, there were fifty-two shot. 

" Many of the Cherokee's passengers, who were on the spot at the 
execution, were pointed at with a sneer of contempt, and many stopped 
in the streets and insulted — called Americans, and that they were one 
and all of the same party — that one of these days they would be served 
in the same way. It was dangerous for an American to be in the 
streets alone at night. 

" The Falcon steamship, while on her way up the coast of Cuba from 
Chagres, was fired at three times, by the war steamer Habanero, and 
was obhged to heave to, and was boarded by the officers of the 
Habanero. After the Falcon stopped, the officers of the Habanero 
cheered as if they had gained a glorious victory. This is the third 
time the Falcon has been served the same trick." 

These men were at three o'clock in the morning of the IBtli 
August, transferred from the Habanero to the frigate Esperanza, 
which landed them at Havana, at about nine o'clock in the morn- 
ing. The following account of their landing is taken from a let- 
ter written by a party on board the United States sloop of war 
Albany, which was lying in the port of Havana : — 



58 CUBA m 1851. 

" A horrid story remains for to-day — fifty men, detaclied by Lopez to 
gain some town, on or near the coast, were captured by the Spanish 
Admiral, last night, at 2 a.m. They were brought into the harbor, 
placed on board the frigate Esperanza, (Hope,) and this morning, at 
9 o'clock, they marched down the ship's gangway, one by one, stripped 
to trowsers and shirt, some even without the latter covering, bare- 
headed, hands tightly bound behind their backs — a pale train, hurried 
toward the land of ghosts. 

" I saw these fifty men, one colonel, three captains, four lieutenants, 
two surgeons, five sergeants, and thirty-five soldiers, bareheaded and 
almost naked, bound, marched down the flag ship's gangway, on the 
side next to, and not two hundred and fifty yards from, the Albany, into 
a ferry boat, transported to the head of the harbor, distance about 
one mile, and there, amidst an immense concourse of spectators — per- 
haps one hundred thousand — shot without mercy. I saw their pale 
faces and firm steps as they descended from their trial to death. Many 
were very young, and some had the forms as they no doubt had the 
souls, of heroes." 

We annex the following account of the execution from a letter 
published in the JVew York ITerald, though probably exag- 
gerated in some respects, yet, as far as it relates to the brutal 
conduct of the mob to the dead bodies after death, although 
denied, later accounts are said to have conjBrmed them. 

The friends of Mr. Owen, our Consul at Havana, have asked 

a suspension of public opinion until he can be heard in defence ; 

while not expressing an opinion as to his culpability, we put 

upon record the censures expressed by correspondents regarding 

his conduct. 

Havana, August 16 — 4i p.m. 
I am too much affected to write to you more than to say that I have 
this day been witness to one of the most brutal acts of wanton inhu- 
manity ever perpetrated in the annals of history. Not content, this 
government, in revenging themselves in the death of these unfortunate 
and, perhaps, misguided men, and which, it may even be said, was 
brought upon themselves ; but these Spanish authorities deserve to be 
most severely chastised for their exceedingly reprehensible conduct in 
permitting the desecration, as they have done, of the senseless clay of 
our brave countrymen. This morning 

Forty Americans, One Italian, 

Four Irish, One Philippine Islander, 

One Scotch, Two Habaneros, and 

Two Germans, or Hungarians, 
were shot at 11 o'clock — after which the troops were ordered to retire ; 
and some hundreds of the very vilest rabble and negroes, hired for the 



CUBA IN 1851. 59 

purpose, commenced stripping the dead bodies, mutilating their limbs, 
tearing out their eyes, cutting off their noses and fingers, and some of 
the poor fellows (privates) these wretches brought to the city on sticks, 
and paraded them under the very walls of the palace. Oh, the very 
remembrance of the sight is frightful. 

I never saw men — and could scarcely have supposed it possible-^— 
conduct themselves at such an awful moment with the fortitude these 
men displayed under such trying circumstances. They were shot six 
at a time, i.e., twelve were brought to the place of execution, six made 
to kneel down and receive the fire of the soldiers, after which the re- 
maining six were made to walk round their dead comrades, and kneel 
opposite to them, when they also were shot. After being stripped, and 
their bodies mutilated in the barbarous manner I have described, they 
were shoved, six or seven together, bound as they were, into hearses, 
which were used last year for cholera cases. No coffins were allowed 
them ; and I think the manner they were put into the hearses was 
equally as disgusting as the other acts ; the heads of some were 
almost dragging on the ground, and it had more the appearance of a 
slaughter cart on its way to market from the slaughter house, than that 
of a hearse conveying the dead bodies of human beings. 

A finer looking set of young men I never saw ; they made not a sin- 
gle complaint, not a murmur, against their sentence, and decency 
should have been shown to their dead bodies, in admiration for the 
heroism they displayed when brought out for execution. Not a muscle 
was seen to move, and they proved to the miserable rabble congregated 
to witness the horrid spectacle, that, it being the fortune of war that 
they fell into the power of this government, they were not afraid to die. 
It would have been a great consolation to these poor fellows, as they 
repeatedly asked, to see their consul, and, through him, to have sent 
their last adieus, and such little mementos as they had, to their be- 
loved relations in the States. One handsome young fellow desired 
that his watch should be sent to his sweetheart. But Mr. Owens, the 
American Consul, did not even make application to the Captain-General 
to see these unfortunate countrymen in their distress, and their sacred 
wishes in their last moments have been unattended to. Lastly, at the 
very hour of their triumph, when the people of the Spanish steamer 
Habanero knew that the execution of the American prisoners, which 
they had taken to Havana, was about to take place, two shots were fired 
across, or at, the steamer Falcon, off Bahia Honda ; and, notwithstand- 
ing that this vessel was well known to them, having, as she had, the 
American flag hoisted, &c., she was detained and overhauled by these 
Spanish officers, who, upon returning to their vessel, commenced 
cheering, and hissing at the Falcon, proud, no doubt, of the impunity 
with which they had detained an American mail steamer on the high 
seas, at their pleasure. 



60 CUBA IN 1851. 

Havana, August 16, 1851. 
The Bloody Day in Havana — The- Execution of Fifty Fatriots-^The 
Conduct of the American Consul — The Rising of the People — The 
Reported Successes of the Invaders. 

R: The bloodiest day of the Cuban revolution is fast drawing to its clbse, 
and the sun that is now rapidly sinking in the west has seen fifty prison- 
ers — the greater part of them young Americans — shot in cold blood, 
and their mutilated remains torn and dragged by a savage populace, the 
outpourings of Spain, the mule of Europe. 

This morning, about three o'clock, the steamer Habanero arrived 
with fifty prisoners, of whose capture we have only the official report 
as you will find it in the Gaceta of this morning. At eleven o'clock 
they were shot at the foot of the Fort Atares, in the presence of an 
immense assemblage. The list I will send to you, if it is published in 
time to go by this mail. The saddest portion of the history which I 
have to relate is the indifference of the American Consul to their sad 
fate. This gentlemen, as you are aware, is Mr. A. F. Owen, late 
representative from Georgia in Congress, and nominated by Mr. Fill- 
more to replace General Campbell, the late Consul here. Mr. Owen 
was called upon by an American gentleman residing here, to see if he 
had made any effort to see those of his countrymen who were thus in- 
humanly to be shot ; the Consul took the ground that they had been 
declared outlaws by Mr. Fillmore, and he should not interfere in the 
matter. After some conversation he concluded that he would write to 
the Captain-General, which he did, requesting only an interview. At 
two o'clock he had received no answer. 

In the career of a public man, moments present themselves in which 
all rules of action, all the formalities of courts, all the delays of etiquette, 
must be set aside, and the voice of public good, or of humanity, must 
be obeyed with that decision which marks the high resolve, the steady 
nerve, and the noble soul of the man of worth. Obeying the generous 
impulses of such a moment, the man of action receives the reward he 
merits in the approval of the world ; but the hour suffered to pass in 
inglorious inaction, the laggard in the cause of humanity merits only 
the opprobium and the scorn of his fellow men. Such has been the 
error committed by Mr. Owen ; such has been the want of generous 
impulse in his bosom, and in the eyes of men he has covered himself 
with disgrace and infamy. The Diplomat may shield himself behind 
the "Proclamation of the President;" the Consul may allege "the 
want of power ;" but where will the Man hide himself when the fathers 
and mothers shall ask him tidings of their sons ? when the wives and 
daughters shall ask him for the last words of their hvisbands and fathers ; 
when their brethren (and wherever liberty scatters her blessings they 
have brethren) shall ask him, what of our brothers ? These are not 
v^in words, but it is the outcry of young Cuba, from Capa Marsi to San 
Antonio, and her thousand hills echo back the cry. This will be the 
voice of a sympathizing people, that fill the land shadowing with wings. 



ciTBA m 1851. 61 

Access to the Captain-General can be obtained at all hours by the 
simple assertion that his business is urgent, and how much more easily 
could the Consul of the great republic have obtained access. His 
sirnply asking for an interview might have delayed their fate, and given 
them more time to prepare for that dread tribunal before which they 
were about to appear. His simply showing the interest of a man in 
their fate, might, perhaps, have inclined the Captain-General to a less 
vengeful determination, and have saved some from the fate they met. 
Had he saved but one man it would have been to him forever a foun- 
tain of joy ; as he made no effort, it must be to him forever a source of 
bitter regret. As a public man, he has shown himself unfitted for the 
responsible position he holds ; for, in times of revolution, men, and not 
books — living impulse, not dead rules, are to be consulted. 

I do not write this in a spirit or anger, but after hours of calm reflec- 
tion ; and, to any gentleman who asks my name from any other motive 
than an impertinent curiosity, you are at perfect liberty to communicate 
it. Mr. Owen I leave to the judgment of his fellow-citizens. 

The revolution goes gloriously on. In the East and the West the 
patriots are everywhere triumphant. The people join them in crowds, 
and the year 1851 will see the close of the Spanish rule in Cuba, I 
leave to your able correspondents all details. 

CUBANA. . 
THE SPANISH ACOOrNTS OF THE EXECUTION. 

The following is the blood-thirsty death warrant issued by the 

Governor-General. ISTot the slightest allusion is made in this 

document to anj sort of previous trial, which even the forms of 

Spanish laws required : — • 

" It having been decreed by the general order of the 20th of April 
last, and subsequently reproduced, what was to be the fate of the 
pirates who should dare to profane the soil of this island, and in view of 
the declarations of the fifty individuals who have been taken by his 
Excellency the Commander General of this naval station, and placed at 
my disposal, which declarations establish the identity of their persons 
as pertaining to the horde commanded by the traitor Lopez, I have re- 
solved, in accordance with the provisions of the Royal Ordinances, 
General Laws of the Kingdom, and particularly in the Royal Order of 
the 12th June of the past year, issued for this particular case, that the 
said individuals, whose names and designations are set forth in the fol- 
lowing statement, suffer this day the pain of death, by being shot, the 
execution being committed to the Senor Teniente de Rey, Brigadier of 
the Plaza. 

" Jose de la Concha." 



62 CTJBA EST 1851. 

THE SPANISH ACCOUNTS. 

Havana, August 17 — 8 o'clock a. m. 
[Translated from the Government Journals of Havana.] 

The excellent Senor General D. Jose Marie de Bustillos, General 
Commander of the Navy in that district, has sent, to-day, at half past 
one o'clock, A. M., the following communication to the Governor- 
Genera] : — 

Your Excellency : — I started yesterday from Bahia Honda, in the 
steamer Habanero, with a view to reconnoitre the coast of Playitas and 
Morillo, in order to remove all the means by which the pirates could 
possibly escape ; or, in case of more expeditions to these points, to re- 
move the means of disembarkation. At seven o'clock in the morning, 
I communicated with the inhabitants^f Morillo, and was informed by 
the proprietors that, at ten o'clock on the preceding night, one part of 
them embarked in four boats, which were on the shore, in order to go 
to New Orleans, by taking the first vessel they could find. Having 
calculated the hour of their sailing, and the distance probably made in 
ten hours, and supposing they had taken the direction of New Orleans, 
which was the cause of their having disappeared from the inhabitants of 
the neighborhood, I proceeded in that direction eighteen miles, with 
full steam ; but, after having accomplished that distance, I could not 
discover any of those I pursued. Believing that the road they had fol- 
lowed was within the rocks, I directed my steamer to that point, and 
made the greatest exertions to encounter the fugitive pirates. At ten 
o'clock in the morning I found myself in the proximity of the passage, 
and detected the four boats navigating along the coast, but so near to it 
that I was afraid of my inability to seize them. In order to take them, 
I ordered the steam to be pressed as much as possible ; and I think my- 
self correct in affirming to your Excellency that the steamer was run- 
ning thirteen miles. This was not enough to overtake them. I could 
only seize one. Two others were upon the rocks of the island, and 
the fourth upon the rocks of Cayo Levisa. When I seized the men of 
the first boat, I armed the boats of the ship in order to pursue the 
second and third, which were on the rocks ; but the officers of the army 
who were in the boats, as well as the troops and sailors, the commander 
of the boat, D. Ignacio de Arellano, and the captain of the steamer Car- ■ 
denas, D. Francisco Estolt — who, stimulated by his patriotism, has 
taken a part in all the services rendered by this boat — threw them- 
selves in the water to pursue the pirates, of whom two only escaped. 
Having left their arms, we did not pursue them, in order to occupy 
ourselves with the boat in Cayo Levisa, for it was one of the largest 
and contained more men. In short, I armed the boats, and directed 
them to stop the debarkation of the men who were looking for a land- 
ing, and to pursue these fugitive pirates. These, twenty-four in num- 
ber, were hidden within a small creek, having the boat drawn up among 
the rocks ; and here the pirates were seized. The number of the pris- 
oners was fifty, well armed men, headed by a chief and five officers. 



CUBA IN 1851. 63 

This important result proves that the faction is dispirited, and that 
the greater number have sought their safety by flight, astonished at the 
bravery of our soldiers, and convinced that their doctrines cannot find 
an echo in the country. 

At half-past two o'clock in the evening I returned to Morillo, as 
the inhabitants, vv^ho informed me of the departure of the pirates, told 
me, also, that some parties of the fugitives were wandering in the neigh- 
borhood, and that the troops of her Majesty were at a small distance 
from this place. I sent to the commander, by a faithful peasant, this 
communication, with the names of the prisoners, whom I keep, for the 
disposition of your Excellency, in the frigate Esperanza, in which I am 
just now starting again to sea. 

Published, by order of his Excellency, in the Gac'eta Extraordinaria. 

PEDRO ESTEBAN. 

Havana, August 16. 



SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. 
We translate from a supplement of the Prensa^ of August 16, 
the following article : — 

JUSTICE. 

We have just come from the shooting execution, at the brow of the 
Castle of Atares, of the fifty pirates taken by the excellent General 
Commander of Marine of this station, having arrived, in the morning, 
on board the war frigate of her Majesty the Queen, Esperanza. 

The justice of man is accomplished. The unfortunate criminals are 
now before the tribunal of God, giving an account of their past.lives. 

We hate the crime. We have compassion for the criminals. 

Please God, that this inevitable and just warning may wake the under- 
standing and reason of those perverse men who, from a foreign land, 
sent to death those who are their instruments ; the infamous, who, in- 
cited by the most vile passions and voracity, are intent to bring ruin, 
desolation, and crime into a peaceful and quiet country, which respects 
all the other nations of the world — which is always occupied with its 
business, its industry, and its commerce. 

New Orleans papers, there is your work ! There is the result of 
your diragations, of your iniquitous falsehoods, of your placards with 
large black letters, and your detestable extras. There you have that 
scattered blood, and that will be scattered in future. There you have 
it, smoking in accusation against you, perverse instigators, against you, 
who have murdered those deluded men, whom you have sent to death 
— for you knew well that they certainly would be killed. This blood 
must flow, drop by drop, upon your heads — this blood will torment you 
in your sleep, for they have lost their lives when you were in security 
in your houses. 

Never mind that those stupid men who left them to be taken by your 
demoniac cries, have fallen ! What interest had you in that, if gold 
was in your pockets, the gold your only god, the payment of the blood 



64 CUBA m 1851. 

shed ? The greatest culprits ef all are the papers of New Orleans. But 
they are in security, and God alone can punish them. Why did you 
not come with the pirates, if you loyally believed that you would have 
been received with open arms, ye iniquitous ? 

The fifty prisoners of the Esperanza have been shot, at the brow of 
the Castle of Atares, as we have already said. The steamer Habanero 
brought them to the place of their execution. 

The troops formed a square. They had on their war uniform — the 
hlusa and straw hat. On the arrival of the troops, the cavalry and the 
civic guard, the multitude on foot and on horseback, placed on the 
heights, on the plain, on the sea, and a great distance upon the edifices 
of Jesus del Monte and el Cerro, incessantly cheering the Queen and 
Spain — eternal idols of that army and of this people so much calum- 
niated by the United States. 

Sr. Mayor de Plazo read the usual edict, and the criminals appeared by 
ten at a time ; and, after being shot, were taken away from the place of 
execution, to make room for their companions ! The first chief was 
shot alone — the two second chiefs were shot together — all in the midst 
of incessant cries in favor of the Queen and Spain. 

Justice being done, the Lieutenant, Rey, in a speech to the soldiers 
and the people, expressed himself in strong and worthy terms, saying 
that the punishment inflicted was merited by these men ; who, without 
a God, without a law, without a flag, came in order to attack our na- 
tionality, our religion, our Queen, and all other objects dear to our 
hearts. 

The vivats to the Queen and to the country were repeated with 
more energy ; the troops defiled, and the people went to the place of 
execution, where they looked for what the criminals had left. 

Ten funeral cars were waiting to convey to the cemetery the mortal 
remains of the fifty pirates. Those cars had been furnished by the 
funeral agencies, and were ornamented according to the circumstances 
of the tragedy. 

The justice of man is complete ! God has pardoned the young cul- 
prits, who have lost their lives by having trusted their faith to the infa- 
mous falsehoods of the New Orleans papers. 

; Lieut. Henry Rogers, U. S. N., in command of the steamship 

Falcon, wrote a letter to M. O. Eoberts, announcing his being 

brought to by the firing across his bow, and questioning the 

right of the Spanish authorities to stop his vessel on the open 

sea for examination. 

The following copies of letters from some of the Americans 

executed in Havana, have been published. "We preface copies 

of them by letters received at the same time from other parties 

in Havana : 



CITBA IN 1851. 65 

Havana, August 18, 1851. 

You will hear everything. I write to impress you with the conduct 
of our Consul, Mr. Owens, of Georgia. He has been called upon by 
several Americans, to go to the Captain-General, who would not have 
refused him to be present while these poor fellows lived, and obtain 
their dying request. He refused, absolutely, to have anything to do 
with it. It appears that one Antonio Costa, a Spaniard, of New Or- 
leans, was present, in order to obtain what he could, as a spy to the 
Spanish government, to find out of these unfortunate men how things 
were, &c. I send you a Faro of the 14th, from which you will see he 
has offered his services and one hundred men from New Orleans, to 
protect the government. 

They shot several men on the 5th, (one a German doctor, and the 
other an American engineer,) so I am well informed. Sixteen others 
shot, positively. 

The Albany left us this morningj, in, alarm and. without protection. 



[Correspondence of the New Orleans Crescent.] 
* * * . * * * They died bravely, those gallant and unfortu- 
nate young men. When the moment of execution came, many, Colo- 
nel Crittenden and Captain Victor Kerr among them, refused to kneel; 
with their backs to their executioners. " NO," said the chivalrous, 
Crittenden, "AN AMERICAN KNEELS ONLY TO HIS GOD, 
AND ALWAYS FACES HIS ENEMY." They stood up, faced 
their executioners, were shot down, and their brains then knocked out 
by clubbed muskets. . 

Other prisoners have been made and executed near the field, or in 
the vicinity of Bahia Honda — fifteen on boai-d the steamer Pizarro — a 
good deal of cold bloodshed, which will probably give a not acceptable ■ 
return to those who have proved their chivalry in vain ; but who can 
unflinchingly look the dead mali in the face — but not, I believe, with- 
out the sense of shame. The number we shall know, if the govern- 
ment choose to publish. 

The Creoles here are cowards — they have fled far from their promi- 
ses. At the East, it is said, they maintain themselves as heroes, and 
Lopez is not yet defeated. The only hope is, that in divided counsels, 
want of food, &c., he may fail. Spanish chivalry has been beaten 
back in every action attempted, with great loss, by a handful of men. 



LAST WORDS OF AMERICAN PRISONERS. 
From Victor Kerr to his Wife and Friends. 
[From the NeW Orleans Delta, August 22-] 
The following letters from that gallant young creole hero, Victor 
Kerr, are among the last which he ever wrote. They were written in 
a bold and masculine style of chirography, and will sufficiently refute 
the unfounded rumors touching their tenor, put into circulation, yester- 
day, by the enemies of Cuban liberty : 
5 



66 CUBA m 1851. 

My Dear Felicia :— Adieu, my dear wife, this is the last letter 
that you will receive from your Victor. In one hour I shall be no 
more. 

Embrace all my friends for me. Never marry again ; it is my de- 
sire. My adieus to my sisters and brothers. Again, a last adieu. I 
die like a soldier. 

Your husband, VICTOR KERR. 

August 16, 1851—6 o'clock. 



Mr Dear Friends : — I leave you forever, and I go to the other 
world. I am prisoner in Havana, and in an hour I shall have ceased to 
exist. My dearest friends, think often of me. I die worthy of a Cre- 
ole, worthy of a Louisianian, and of a Kerr. My dearest friends, 
adieu for the last time. 

Your devoted friend, VICTOR KERR. 

To N. Larose, H. Bouhgny, Leon Fazende, William G. Vincent, 
Felix Arrayo. 

August 16, 1851— 6| o'clock. 

Capt. Kerr was a native of ISTew Orleans, and the son of Dr. 
Kerr of that city, who died the present year, aged about 53 or 
•54. Some have confounded this name with that of Dr. Wm. 
Kerr, who was surgeon under Gen. Jackson at the battle of l^ew 
Orleans. Capt. Yictor Kerr was the son-in-law of Mr. Michell, 
who published a card, thanking a friend for having secured and 
returned the body of the Captain to his friends in ISTew Orleans. 

Capt. Kerr served in the war with Mexico, and his command- 
ing officer speaks of him in the following language : 

New York, August 25, 1851. 
I will also state, that Victor Kerr Avas one of the gallant Creoles of 
Louisiana, enlisted in the company (G) I had the honor of recruiting 
and commanding during the Mexican war. He was at the battle of 
Tolome, fought by Colonel Mcintosh, U. S. A., June 6, 1847, and dis- 
tinguished himself in the highest degree. I have the honor to be, very 
respectfully, your obedient servant. 

A. M. DUPERU, 
late Captain co. G, 3d Dragoons. 



From Thomas C. James. 

Spanish Frigate Esperanza. ) 

Harbor of Havana, August 15, 1851. ) 

My Dear Brothers and Sisters : — This is the last letter you will 

ever receive from your brother Thomas. In one hour more I will be 

launched into eternity, being now a prisoner, with fifty others, aboard 

of this ship, and now under sentence of death. All to be shot ! This 



CUBA IN 1851. 67 

is a hard fate, but I trust in the mercy of God, and will meet my fate 
manfully. 

Think of me hereafter, not with regret, but as one whom you loved 
in life, and who loved you. Adieu, forever, my brothers, sisters and 
friends. ^ THOMAS C. JAMES. 

Robert, our poor friends, G. A. Cook, and John 0. Bryce, are with 
me, and send their last regard to you ; also Clement Stanford, formerly 
of Natchez. 



From Adjutant Stanford. 

Havana, August 16, 1851. 

DearHuling: — We arrived on the island of Cuba after the most 
horrible passage you can conceive of, cooped on board with 400 or 500 
men. 

We arrived on Sunday last, I believe — dates I have almost forgotten. 
The next morning, Lopez, with General Praguay and all the command- 
ing officers, left as — (I mean Crittenden and his battalion.) We heard 
nothing more of him for two days, when Crittenden dispatched a note. 
He then requested we should join him at a little town some six or 
eight miles off, leaving us in the mean time to take care of all the bag- 
gage, &c. 

We started for him on Wednesday, morning at two o'clock, and had 
proceeded only three miles when we were attacked by 500 Spanish 
soldiers. In the first charge I received a very severe wound in the 
knee. We repulsed them, however. They made another charge, and 
completely routed us. We spent two days and nights, the most miser- 
able you can imagine, in the chapparal, without anything to eat or 
drink. 

We made the best of our way to the sea-shore, and found some boats 
with which we put to sea. Spent a night upon the ocean, and the 
next day, about 12 o'clock, were taken prisoners by the Habanero, 
were brought to Havana last night and condemned to die this morning. 
We shall all be shot in an hour. 

Good bye and God bless you. I send the Masonic medal enclosed in 

this, belonging to my father. Convey it to my sister, Mrs. P -n, 

and tell her my fate. Once more, God bless you. STANFORD. 



From J. Brandt. 

Havana, August 16, 1851. 

My Dear Mother : — I have but a few moments to live. Fifty of 
us are condemned to be shot within a half hour. I do not value life, 
but deeply regret the grief it will cause you to hear of my death. 
Farewell, then, my dear mother, sisters and all ; we may meet again 
in another world. Think of me often ; forget the causes I have given 
you for grief: remember only my virtues. Farewell, again, dearest 
mother, and believe me to be your affectionate son, 

Mrs. Maria E. Brandt. J. BRANDT, 



68 CUBA m 1851. 

JFroin IT. Vienne. 

On Board the Man-of-War Esperanza, ) 
August 16, 1851. \ 

My Dear and Affectionate Sisters and Brothers : — Before I 
die, I am permitted to address my last words in this world. 

Deceived by false visions, I embarked in the expedition for Ctibx. 
We arrived, about four hundred in number, last week, and in about an 
hour from now, we, I mean fifty of us, will be lost. I wa% taken pris- 
oner after an engagement, and with fifty others, am to be shot in an 
hour. 

I die, my dear brothers and sisters, a repentant sinner, having been 
blessed with the last rites of our holy religion. Forgive me for all the 
follies of my life, and you, my dear and affectionate sisters, pray for 
my poor soul. 

A , go to my dear mother and console her. Oh ! my dear 

child, kiss her a thousand times for me. Love her for my sake. Kiss 
my brothers and all your dear children. To Father Blackney, my last 
profound respect ; to Father Lacroix and Father D'Hau, a mass for the 
repose of my soul. 

My dear mother-in-law, farewell ! Poor Tacite is shot and dead by 
this time ! 

I give and bequeath mj dear child to you and you alone. Good-bye, 
H — >— — ; good-bye, G and T— — . I did my duty. Good- 
bye, all. 

Your dear Son and Brother, 

HONORE TACITE VIENNE. 

Mr. Antonio Costa has promised to do a\\ he can to obtain my body . 
If so, please have me buried with my wife. 



Fro?7i Gr. A. CooTc. 

Havana, on Board a Man of War, ) 

8 o'clock A. M., August 16, 1851. ] 
Stanton & Co. 

My Dear Friends : — About fifty of us — Col. Crittenden's command 
— were taken prisoners yesterday ; have not received our sentence yet, 
but no doubt we will be shot before sunset. Zqpes, the Scoundrel, has 
deceived us ; there is no doubt that all those reports about the Cuban 
rising were trumped up in New Orleans. Lopez took nearly his com- 
mand and deserted us. We were attacked by some 500 or 700 of the 
Queen's troops the second day after we landed. Our own gallant Col. 
Crittenden did all that any man could do — but we saw we had been 
deceived and retreated to the sea-shore with the intention of getting off^ 
to our country if possible. Got three boats and got, off" with the inten- 
tion of coasting until we fell in with an American vessel, and were 
taken prisoners by the steamboat Habanero. 

Explain to my family that I have done nothing but was instigated by 
the highest motives, that I die with a clear conscience and like a man 



CUBA IN 1851. 69 

with a stout heart. I send my watch to you, it is for httle Benny, my 
nephew. Good bye, God bless you all. 

Truly yours, GILMAN A. COOK. 



NOTICES OF THE LIVES AND CHABACTEES OF SOME OF THE SUFFEEEES. 



COL. WILLIAM S. CRITTENDEN. 
.''AN AMEBIC AS KNEELS ONLY TO HIS GOD, AND 
ALWAYS FACES HIS ENEMY." 

This noble declaration, and last speech of the gallant Critten- 
den, would have immortalized a hero, in the best days of Greece 
or Rome. 

[From the Louisville Courier, Aug. 25.] 
The Colonel Crittenden who was one of the Americans executed at 
Havana was, doubtless, William Crittenden, formerly of this city, and 
brother of John A. Crittenden, late Marshal of the Chancery Court 
here. Patrick Dillon, Dr. Fisher, and Manville, who were also exe- 
cuted at the same time, were from this city, and we understand some 
two or three others of the unfortunates were from Indiana. 

[From the New Orleans True Delta.] 

Lotig and well did we know him. We knew him first in the Mexi- 
can war, and in many a bivouac shared his blanket. Educated at West 
Point, he graduated with honor. At the opening of that war, he occu- 
pied the position of adjutant of the 1st infantry, and for several months 
discharged the highly responsible duties of post adjutant at Vera Cruz, 
with merited honor. He was the son of a brother of the distinguished 
gentleman who now fills the office of attorney-general of the United 
States. His father emigrated to Arkansas, when that state was in its 
infancy, and died in early life, filling a community with universal re- 
gret for the loss of a man as highly endowed with the loftiest virtues, 
as he was gifted with the rarest genius. 

Will Crittenden, as he was familiarly named by his friends, was 
worthy of the stock whence he sprung. A nobler specimen of the 
Kentucky gentleman, a worthier servant or citizen of the Republic, we 
have never met. A Hon heart, a love of truth, of honor and of liberty, 
were his. An accomplished soldier, a votary of letters, he was as gen- 
tle as he was brave. At the close of the Mexican war, he resigned his 
military office, and became a citizen of New Orleans, where he resided 
until he embarked with Lopez. 

Our blood has boiled to hear the base inuendoes of the agued lip- 
lovers of Cuban freedom against him, as well as his companions, for 
permitting themselves to be captured. The dying missives of his com- 
patriots reveal the causes that compelled his heroic soul to yield. If 



YO CTJBA IN 1851. 

ever a man fell a victim to atrocious deception, it was he. A few days 
before he left, we met him, and a wish that we would accompany him 
was expressed. — We earnestly advised him against embarking in the 
enterprise ; we spoke our incredulity of the reports that the Cubans 
had risen. He answered that he was no freebooter ; that he could not 
be induced to join the expedition, were not the people of Cuba in arms 
against their rulers. 

That a revolution had actually commenced, that the Cubans were in 
the field, he assured us he knew from statements of parties who had 
given him their confidence. Against this faith, we had nothing but our 
incredulity to present, and we parted never to meet again. We have 
felt it a solemn duty to state this, to remove the impression that he, 
from his position in the expedition, was a party to the cruel artifices 
practiced by the unseen heads of the scheme. 



LIEUT. THOMAS C. JAMES. 

[From the Wilmington (N. C.) Herald, August 23.] 
Among the victims of the recent execution in Havana, a report of 
which will be found in another column, we were pained to discover the 
name of Lieut. Thomas C. James, formerly of this place. We knew 
him well in days gone by, for he was a school-fellow of ours, and we 
can bear willing testimony to the many excellent qualities of his mind 
and heart. He was of an ardent, impulsive temperament, fond of ex- 
citement and adventure, and was deservedly esteemed while a resident 
here. But he has fallen in the full flush of manhood, and whatever 
may be the shades of opinion with regard to the character of the cause 
in which he was enlisted, still the warmer emotions of our nature can 
not but revolt at the inhuman sacrifice which robbed him and his daring 
associates of life. One consolation, at least, remains to his kindred and 
friends — and it is that he died like a hero, without a sign of fear. 

[From the New Orleans Delta, August 26.] 
W give below a letter sent to us by Colonel R. W. James, brother of 
that gallant young man, Thomas C. James, who was one of the fifty so 
cruelly murdered in Havana. Col. James was also the intimate friend 
of Mr. G. A. Cook, (another of the murdered patriots,) having accom- 
panied him through a long and perilous service in the reconnoisance of 
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec : — 

New Orleans, August 25, 1851. 
Though oppressed with grief for the loss of a beloved brother, and of 
my dear friend Gilman A. Cook, who were brutally murdered in Ha- 
vana, on the 16th instant, by the Spanish authorities, 1 cannot refrain 
from performing an act of duty, by stating what my intimacy with Mr. 
Cook enables me to say — that, in going to Cuba, he was neither de- 
ceived nor persuaded by any one, but acted from his owa noble impul- 
ses, which M'ere always on the side of the oppressed. His determina- 
tion to accompany my brother, with whom he had passed through many 
dangers, and to whom he was warmly attached, was made but a few hours 



CUBA m 1851. 71 

before the expedition sailed. He had no knowledge whatever of the 
plan of operation. My brother and myself, from motives of friendship 
and regard, knowing that he was the'only surviving son of a large fami- 
ly, endeavored to dissuade him from going ; but his mind was made up, 
and he said he would shrink from no dangers which his old friend 
Thomas 0. James might encounter. I am satisfied that he could have 
had no consultation with Gen. Lopez before he left. I would also add 
my belief, as one who felt deeply the effects of the calamity, that the 
command of Col. Crittenden could not have been deserted by General 
Lopez, but that the gallant old man no doubt did all that mortal could 
do to save the very flower of his little army, and that their destruction 
was effected somewhat in the manner described by Gen. Huston, in 
Sunday's Delta — -by the unexpected interposition of a large Spanish 
force between the party with Gen. Lopez and the command of Col. 
Crittenden which had charge of the baggage. In justice to the old hero, 
I would oppose to the charges of his assailants in this city, who accuse 
him of treachery, my own, and what I believe is the sentiment of near- 
ly our whole people, that his conduct Svas brave and honest. 
Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

E. W. JAMES. 

[From the New Orleans Crescent, July 26.] 
A letter from Alex. McAleer, one of the Havana victims, to Mr. John 
McGinn, was shown to us yesterday. Mr. McA. writes that on the 
12th August they had a fight with the Spaniards, killing thirty of them 
and losing three men ; that they then returned to take a vessel for New 
Orleans, but not arriving in time, took four boats and put to sea, and 
were captured. The remainder of his letter is in reference to private 
matters. 

— ' « 

[From the Washington Southern Press, August 3d.] 

We learn that Alexander M. Colchett, one of the victims of Cuban 
vengeance, was the son of a wealthy and highly respectable merchant 
of Charleston, South Carolina, and a brother of John M. Colchett, of 
the firm of John M. Colchett & Co., of New Orleans. He was between 
20 and 21 years of age, and a respectable member of" one of the most 
wealthy and respected families of South Carolina. He had resided for 
some time in New Orleans, and was a member of the Washington Ar- 
tillery, of that city. 

The St. Louis Kepublican states that S. C. Jones and T. C. 
Teasy, included in the list of the persons shot at Havana, were 
two young and promising lawyers of that city, but does not give 
further particulars. 

Several persons among the slain were known to have gone 
from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. "We 



T2 CUBA m 1851. 

regret tliat our materials for giving sketches of tlie lives of those 
executed are not more abundant. 



CONCLUSION. 

Amidst the conflicting statements daily published, it has been 
difficult for the most impartial to arrive at satisfactory conclu- 
sions regarding the real extent and strength of the revolution. 
One thing must force itself upon the conviction of the most 
skeptical, and that is, if the revolution among the Creoles is of 
that brief and contemptible character represented in the Spanish 
accounts, why has it continued in existence so long at the east 
end of the island ? 

We know it first commenced on the 3d July, and, according 
to advices as late as the 25th August, it still continued unsubdued. 

It may also be remarked, that a United States soldier in Kew 
York, who was present at the execution in Havana, confirms the 
fact, that the bodies of the slain Americans were barbarously 
insulted and mutilated as stated. 

The accounts received up to this period, September 6, 1851, 
represent that two battles had been fought between Xopez and 
the Spanish troops ; one on the 17th, and the other on the 21st 
August. The first was stated to have been fought near Caram- 
bola, and at a coffee plantation formerly owned by the lady of 
General Lopez. It is said the Spanish troops were drawn up in 
two columns, and at first refused to advance upon the patriots, 
who lined the fences in the vicinity. 

General Enna then took thirty Cazadors and charged upon the 
patriots, who succeeded in killing every one of their assailants, 
with the exception of an aide-de-camp. In the charge. General 
Enna was mortally wounded. 

After the fall of General Enna, General Eosales collected to- 
gether five hundred of the Spanish troops and fled, leaving 
seventy wounded upon th« field of action. 

General Resales was to be superseded, for cowardice, by 
•General Pavis, of Matanzas. 

After this engagement Lopez is said to have advanced to 



CUBA IN 1851. 73 

Guanajay, a point nearer Havana, near which, probably, the 
second battle was fonght, which may possibly have decided his 
fate, if the last news per Cherokee, by telegraph, proves true. 
In the first engagement, it is said, the Spanish officers were dis- 
mayed at the rapid firing of the Americans, who are said to 
have fired four times to the Spaniards' once. 

General Enna was said to have been buried with great pomp 
at Havana, on the 21st August. 

The Faro Industnrial^ published at Havana, says : 

We are authorized to publish the following account of the forces of 
the traitor Lopez, from a document found among papers taken from one 
of the prisoners : Six companies of infantry, including officers, 219 ; 
three artillery, 114 ; one Cuban patriots, 49 ; one Hungarian, 9 ; one 
German, 9. 

List of Officers. — General-in-Chief, Narcisso Lopez ; second in 
command, and chief of the . staff, John Pragay ; officers of the staff. 
Captain Emmrich Radwitch ; Lieutenants Joseph Lewohl, and Jigys 
Rodendorf ; Adjutants Colengen and Blumenthal ; Captain Ludwig 
Schlessenger ; Lieutenants Ludwig and Miller ; Surgeon Hega Lemm- 
gue. Commissary, G. A. Cook. 

Staff of the Regiment of Infantry— Colonel R. L. Dorman, Lieu- 
tenant Colonel W. Scott Harness, Adjutant George A. Graham ; Com- 
missary Joseph Bell. Adjutant of the Regiment, George Parr. 

Company A. — Captain, Robert EUis; Lieutenant, E. McDonald; 
Sub-Lieutenant, J. L. La Hascan ; ditto, R. H. Beslinbridge. 

Company B. — Captain, John Johnson ; First Lieutenant, James 
Dunn; Second do., J. F. Williams ; Third do., James O'Reilly. 

Company C. — Captain, J. C. Bridgham ; First Lieutenant, Richard 
Vrwden ; Second do., J. A. Gray ; Third do., J. N. Baker. 

Company D. — Captain, Philip Golday ; First Lieutenant, David L. 
Rassan ; Second do., John H. Landingham ; Third do. James H. 
Vowden. 

Company E. — Captain, Henry Jackson ; First Lieutenant, Wm. 
Hobbs; Second do., J. A. Simpson ; Third do., James Crangh. 

Company F. — Captain, Wm. Stewart ; First Lieutenant, James L. 
Down ; Second do., John L. Bass; Third do., Thomas Hudwall. 

Regiment of Artillery. — Officers of the Staff. — Chief, Wm. L. Crit- 
tenden ; Adjutant, R. L. Stanford ; Second Master of Commissariat, 
Felix Hustin ; Surgeon, Ludovic Vinks. 

Company A. — Captain W. A. Kelly ; First Lieutenant, N. 0. James ; 
Second do., James A. Nowens ; Third do., J. 0. Bryce. 

Company B. — Captain, James Saunders ; First Lieutenant, Philip 
Van Vechten ; Second do., Beverley A. Hunter ; Third do., Wm. H. 
Craft. 

Company C. — Captain, Victor Kerr ; First Lieutenant, James Brandt ; 
Second do., Wm. T. Vienne. 



74 ouBA IN 1861. 

Begiment of Cuhan Patriots. — Company A., Captain, Ilde Fousee 
Overto ; First Lieutenant, De Jiga Hernandez; Second do.-, Miguel 
Lopez; Third do., Jose A. Pianos ; Fourth do., Henry Lopez. 

Regiment of Hungarians. — Major, George Botilla ; Captain, Ladislaus 
Polank; Lieutenants, Sermerby, Johan Petroce, Adambert Kerskes, 
and Conrad Richner. 

German Regiment. — Captain Hugo Schlyct ; Lieutenants, Paul 
Michael, Biro Cambeas ; Captain, Pietro Muller ; Lieutenant, Giovano 
Placasee. 

The following telegraph, despatch, received in l^&w York on 

the night of the dth September, contains the latest items of news 

respecting the death of General Lopez and his brave followers : 

New Orleans, Sept. 3d, 1851. 
The steamship Cherokee, with, probably, news from Havana to the 
31st of August, is telegraphed below the city. We have a brief an- 
nouncement of her news, to the effect that General Lopez and most of 
his command have been captured by the Spanish troops, and executed. 

FISTAi RESULT OF THE EXPEDITION UNDER GENERAL LOPEZ, AND HIS 
PUBLIC EXECUTION IN THE CITY OF HAVANA. 

It will be perceived that in the progress of this work contra- 
dictory news and reports were arriving almost daily ; and, be- 
fore the defeat and death of General Lopez was announced, by tele- 
graph, from New Orleans, on the 5th September, we had already 
put to press the greater part of our book. Hence, should any dis- 
cre2:)ancy appear between our previous remarks, and the final 
developments and closing scenes of the expedition under Lopez, 
they can be reconciled with the fact that we wrote from the in- 
formation before us at the time. 

It will be perceived from our previous suggestions respecting 
the charges preferred against Lopez for deception, cowardice, 
&c., that Lopez himself might have been deceived, and overrated 
the sympathy and ability of the Creoles to aid him. And again, 
that it might not have been in his power to have rejoined and 
succored Colonel Crittenden. In confirmation of these views we 
refer to Mr. James's letter, the brother of Lieutenant James, 
shot at Havana, received in JSTew York on the 4th September, 
and which we have inserted beneath the notice of Lieutenant 
James, from a North Carolina paper, and Lopez' last expres- 
sions are said to indicate that he himself was misled. 

We, throughout, have not been sanguine of his success. It is 
apparent that he either over-estimated the aid to be expected 
from the Creoles, or, that he was guilty of great rashness. That 
he fully desired the liberty of Cuba his dying words attest. The 
great fault he and his followers committed was landing so near 



CUBA m 1851. T5 

the stronghold of the Government with such a feeble force, and 
to commit the fanlt of separation from Colonel Crittenden, They 
should have remained together, and fought together. Losing 
his artillery and the services of some of his ablest men was disas- 
trous. 

For him to have successfully accomplished the revolution of 
the island, he and his friends were unwise to have landed with 
less than ten thousand men, well supplied with artillery, and 
cavalry equipments, provisions, and other stores. Should such 
a force once land on the island, with an experienced military 
American in command, the conflict would neither be long nor 
doubtful. 

In extending all aid of this kind to the Creoles, their co-opera- 
tion could not be expected unless supplied freely with arms, and 
taught to some extent the use of them. We presume one reason 
Lopez failed in securing their services, resulted, in some degree, 
from his inability to supply them with arms to any useful extent. 
It is well known the Spanish Government has, for a long time, 
deprived the Creoles of arms of every description. 

Again, it is likely that Lopez erred in judgment. At a dis- 
tance from the scene of action, and unacquainted with his views, 
one would suppose it would have been most prudent for him 
with so small a force to have sought a landing at some point of 
the eastern department, where the standard of revolt had been 
already raised by the peoj)le, and disaffection more widely 
spread, where, by seeking a junction with them, he could have 
kept up a guerilla warfare in the mountains for a month or two, 
until further and more effective aid could have reached him 
from the States. We imagine that his talents were better fitted 
for guerilla contest than operations in an open field. 

When, failures attend enterprises, it always strikes those who 
witness their results, that if they could have directed affairs, re- 
sults would have been different. 

We believe that Lopez was brave, but rash. The heroism with 
which he met his fate, shows that he was not destitute of manly 
nerve. 

He has now passed from the tribunal of this world, and let us 
hope that he may find repose and peace in that endless state 
upon which he has entered. 

We are advised that the revolutionists in the eastern depart- 
ment of the island still maintain themselves in the field against 
the government. This however, requires more detailed accounts 
to prove how far it is formidable or successful. That they exist 
in some form, can hardly be doubted. 

Perhaps some future author will close his account of Cuba, 
with a different story than the one we have just related. 



76 CUBA IN 1861. 

We shall close, by adding a few brief items relating to tbe 
biography of Gen. Lopez, which we suppose may at the same 
time be considered a sort of obituary notice. 

GEN. NAECISSO LOPEZ. 

It is said that he was executed, or garoted, on the Plaza at 
Havana, on the 1st September, at 7 o'clock A. M., 1851, before 
an immense concourse of people. 

In the absence of fuller accounts due by the mails, we annex 
the following particulars respecting the capture and execution of 
Lopez, from telegraph reports received from 'New Orleans on the 
4th September, without, however, vouching for their correct- 
ness. The news was received at New Orleans on the 3d or 
4th September, by the Cherokee, and telegraphed to New York. 

" Lopez was captured near San Christoral, a place about sixty miles 
southwest of Havana. 

" Thence he was escorted to Havana, and publicly garoted on 
THE 29th of August. 

" It is also added, in the Philadelphia despatch, that all Lopez's men 
were likewise captured and executed. 

" The punishment of the garote is the placing of the victim in an 
easy chair, clamping his limbs, placing a band around the neck, and 
gradually pressing a screw until the neck is broken. 

" Passengers who witnessed the execution of Lopez, state that he 
ended his life manfully. 

" The failure of the expedition is attributed to the separation of Col. 
Crittenden's command from the main body under Lopez. 

" The Patriots are stated to have deserted Lopez, and fled to the 
mountains. 

" Just previous to the capture of Lopez, he had but thirty remaining 
followers, and they finally deserted him, so that he had not one remain- 
ing friend. 

" He wandered alone for some time, and was finally run down by 
bloodhounds. His last words were, 'Adieu, dear Cuba, !' 

" The Spanish accounts state, that of the whole number of patriots 
landed by the Pampero, and from other quarters^ 556 have already 
been killed, and 436 are now in prison. 

" Previous to the death of Lopez, he declared that he had been 
greatly DECEIVED, in regard to promised aid in Cuba. 

" A meeting of passengers was held on board the steamer Cherokee, 
at which Gen. Lane, of Oregon, presided, and the following resolution 
was unanimously passed : 

" 'Resolved, That Mr. Owen, the American consul at Havana, has 
forfeited every right and title to be regarded as an American citizen. 

" 'That he has outraged every sentiment of humanity, and deserves 
the execration of every friend of liberty.' 

" Another requests his?recall by the American government. 

" We learn by the . Cherokee, that Gen. Pragay had been killed at 
Posas," 




GENERAL LOPEZ. 

It is stated that these accounts were brought by passengers on 
the steamer. We give the whole dispatch, including the censure 
of the American Consul by a meeting of passengers. 

Gen. Lopez was born in Yenezuela, South America, in 1798-9, 
and hence, at the time of his execution, must have been about 
62 years of age. He was the only son of a wealthy inhabitant 
of the country, who subsequently lost his property by the civil 
wars which sprung up. 

He commenced his military career at 15 years of age, after the 



'?'8 CUBA IN 1851. 

partial destruction of Ms family and loss of fortune ; lie passed 
through, some severe conflicts in the pseudo service of Bolivar, 
whom he at first favored, and from whom he afterwards separated. 
Being J^oung and without any prospect of advancement and des- 
titute of fortune, he enlisted in the Spanish army, and not long 
after rose to a Colonelcy and received the cross of San Fernando. 

In 1823, on the evacuation of Yenezuela by the Spanish troops, 
he removed to Cuba on the conclusion of peace, where he mar- 
ried and became a citizen of the island. 

He remained in retirement until the death of King Ferdinand 
YII., when his Queen, Christina, succeeded in placing her 
daughter, the present Queen, on the throne, in opposition to Don 
Carlos, the brother of the King. The Queen Christina, to gain 
the support of the liberals, re^dved the constitution of 1812, or 
professed to do so. Lopez being on a visit at Madrid, on busi- 
ness with his wife, espoused the cause of the liberals and assisted 
in disarming the Carlist or loyalist troops. From the courage he 
displayed in this service, he soon after joined the Liberal army 
as Aid-de-camp to the Commander-in-chief, Gen. Valdez. 

He distinguished himself by many brave exploits, and, at the 
end of the war, had reached the rank of General, and had re- 
ceived many grand crosses of honor as marks of his distinguished 
services. He, under all circumstances, adhered to ^the party 
called in Spain the " libercd exaltadoP- Gen. Yaldez afterwards 
became Captain-General of Cuba, and was always regarded by 
Lopez as an upright and virtuous man. 

He was placed in command as Governor of Madrid on the 
flight of the Queen mother to Paris in 1840, which he afterwards 
resigned into the hands of Espertaro, the Queen's Regent. 

He before this had been appointed a Senator for the city of 
Seville. In his ofiicial capacity as Senator he is said to have 
labored for the advancement of the colonies, and especially for 
Cuba, the country of his adoption. 

Failing of success equal to his wishes, it is said he became dis- 
gusted and resolved, if possible, to liberate Cuba from the Span- 
ish yoke. The repulse of the Cuban representatives from the 
Spanish Cortes gave a strong impulse to his feelings. 

He resigned his office as Senator and asked leave to return to 
Cuba, which was with some difficulty obtained from the Eegent. 
He is said to have returned to Cuba in 1840 or '41, under tlie 
Captain-Generalship of Yaldez. 

On the fall of Espartaro and rise of JSTarvaez, Gen. O'Donnel 
superseded Yaldez in the Government, and Lopez was deprived 
of his office which he had held under Yaldez, as Governor of 
Trinidad and Commander-in-chief of the Central Department. 



CUBA IN 1851. 79 

He was still left -with the commission of General, thongli not 
on duty. He from this time, it seems, commenced studying 
schemes for the independence of Cuba. He associated freely 
with the people and joined them in their amusements, and ren- 
dered himself as popular as he could by various acts of social 
kindness in sickness and difficulties of various kinds. 

By 1848, he had arranged plans for a sort of general rising. 
Shortly before the time fixed upon, he wrote a letter to the Queen, 
resigning his commission. His plans, however, were acci- 
dentally discovered, and he barely escaped with life to the 
United States. After his escape he was condemned to death. 
His subsequent movements have become more or less familiar to 
the world. 

Many acts of daring and courage are related which he dis- 
played during various stages of his military services. 

"tVe annex the following from the Savannah News. Those who 
wish to read a fuller account of his life are referred to the De- 
moGratic Review of February, 1850 : 

THE HEROISM OF GENERAL LOPEZ. 

During the celebrated Carlist war in Spain, General Lopez and about 
seven hundred others were taken prisoners and carried to Cantavieja, 
a fortification among the mountains of Arragon. The governor of the 
castle was said to have been a heartless wretch, revelUng in bloody 
massacres, and delighting in acts of torture. During the dreadful con- 
finement of these prisoners, the royal army, commanded by General 
San Miguel, marched to Cantavieja, for the purpose of raising the siege. 
The place was defended admirably by nature in a narrow defile of the 
mountains ; but the Spanish general, undismayed by the apparent im- 
pregnability of the fortress, continued to besiege it, until evidences of 
his success were soon discovered by his enemies. The governor, 
thereupon, resolved upon a scheme which could only have entered the 
mind of a tyrant in whose eyes the sight of blood was a gratification 
He determined to put all the prisoners to death, from General Lopez 
down, and requested the general to notify San Miguel of his intention, 
hoping, by this threat, to stop the siege. Lopez announced this bloody 
resolution in his letter, but requested General San Miguel not to allow 
this threat to interfere with the prosecution of the siege. The gover- 
nor, finding that the letter produced no effect, and that the works were 
rapidly advancing to consummation, announced to his prisoners that he 
had ordered their execution ; but that he would allow Lopez to go to 
San Miguel in person, and explain the circumstances in which they 
were placed, first receiving his word of honor to return after delivering 
the message. Lopez was soon in the midst of San Miguel's troops, 
who hailed his appearance with great demonstrations of jo^^. He ex- 
plained the threat of the governor, discussed the plans for the siege, 
gave all the information he possessed as to the weakest points of the 



80 CITBA IN 1851. 

fortification, and then rose up to return to his fate. San Miguel ob- 
jected ; the army loudly opposed his going from their midst to be put 
to death by the brutal governor ; but the noble Lopez overcame all 
their entreaties, and surrounded by his sorrowing but admiring friends, 
he bade them all a kind farewell, wishing them success, even though 
he himself might be the sacrifice ! The siege proceeded vigorously, 
for San Miguel knew that he could only save Lopez and the other pri- 
soners by accomphshing his purpose with as much speed as his means 
would allow. The governor and those defending the castle had no 
time left to put their prisoners to death, as they were kept in constant 
occupation with the work of resistance and defence. The town was 
soon taken. The governor and the garrison were dismayed ; but 
Lopez, the patriot and hero, with his gallant band, was saved. 

The following additional intelligence has been received by the 
Mwpire City : 

The steamers Habanero, Almendares, Pizarro, and Isabella Catholica, 
were on Sunday dispatched to Bahia Honda and Mariel to bring up the 
troops, preparatory to the execution of Lopez. 

There are killed and wounded of the Spanish troops 2,000 ; 1,500 
killed and 600 wounded. 

In every engagement with Lopez the troops were routed with severe 
loss. 

General Enna, the bravest officer in the army, was shot at the head 
of an advancing column — ^he was second in command to Concha. At 
that charge every man was shot down. The Spanish Generals said it 
was impossible to rally their troops to charge on the assailants. 

Lopez was garoted on Monday morning, September 1, at 7 o'clock. 
The scene of execution was at the " Ponto" opposite the " Moro." 
There were assembled from eight to ten thousand troops and as many 
citizens. 

A few minutes before seven, Lopez was brought forward, and as- 
cended the platform with a firm and steady step. Facing the multitude 
he made a short speech, and his last words were, " I die for my be- 
loved Cuba." 

He then took his seat — the machine was adjusted, at the first twist 
of the screw his head dropped forward — and he was dead. 

Thus ended the career of General Lopez, so long the dread and ter- 
ror of Cuban authorities. 



In the preparation of this work we were indebted to Hunt's 
Merchant's Magazine, Simpson's Map of Cuba, McCuUough's 
geographical Dictionary, Stryker's Eegister, &c., for many 
statis^tical items. 

Erratum — Page 27, 13th line from bottom, for faUing off in cofiee, 
instead of 1849, read 1827. 



